AMISOM Burundian Battalion feted as the troops complete tour of duty
The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has held an End-of-Tour and Certificate Award Ceremony for Burundi National Defence Forces’ (BNDF) 28th Battalion as they prepared to rotate out of mission.
The troops were congratulated upon their professionalism, sense of duty and sacrifice for the sake of a peaceful Somalia.
The ceremony which was attended by senior officials from AMISOM Mission Headquarters as well as Force Headquarters marked the end of a fourteen months tour of duty for the Battalion. Guests at the ceremony took a moment to observe a minute of silence in honor of BNDF and soldiers from other Troop Contributing Countries (TCC) who have paid the ultimate price in the fight for the liberation of Somalia from Al Shabaab terror.
In her address to the departing troops, AMISOM Chief of Staff, Amb. Epiphanie Kabushemeye, representing the Special Representative for Somalia and Head of the AU Mission in Somalia (SRCC), commended the troops for their courage, sense of brotherhood and for having sacrificed, even with their lives, to ensure that their Somali brothers and sisters are liberated from the clutches of terrorism.
“You have exemplified the true spirit of a soldier by leaving your country to come to Somalia to fight the enemies of peace and development and to reduce the threat posed by Al Shabaab and other armed opposition groups”, the Chief of Staff said.
On his part, Deputy Force Commander (DFC) in Charge of Operations, Maj. Gen Mohamedesha Zeynu thanked the troops for the decisive part they played during the various operations including ‘Operation Indian Ocean’ and ‘Operation Eagle’.
“Your participation in AMISOM military operations during your tour of duty has enabled us to successfully deplete Al Shabaab capability and areas of influence and for this we thank you”, he said.
Others who addressed the gathering included the Ambassador of Burundi to Somalia Brig. Gen. Joseph Nkurunziza who commended the troops for having carried themselves with dignity throughout their tour of duty. He asked them to continue honoring their country wherever and whenever they are given the honor to be of service as they did in Somalia.
Brig. Gen Commander Mohamed Mohamad Saney of the Somali National Army and the Commander AMISOM Ugandan Contingent in Somalia Brig. Gen. Sam Kavuma also thanked the soldiers for their dedication towards the fulfilment of AMISOM mandate in Somalia.
Colonel Ndayisaba Frédéric, the 2nd in Command of the Burundi Contingent, representing the Contingent Commander, indicated that challenges the battalion met along the way during their service in Somalia only galvanized their resolve.
“Your sacrifice, discipline and sense of duty here in Somalia, will serve as an example to those who will take up this noble task after you leave. This example you have set will go a long way towards the achievement of peace and stability in Somalia. We shall expect that you shall carry yourself in the same manner when you get back home”, he concluded.