AMISOM Senior Commanders convene to review military operations in Somalia

The Force Commander of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Lt. Gen. Osman Noor Soubagleh, has asked senior military officers to review existing strategies to improve the efficiency of security operations and strengthen collaboration with the Somali National Army (SNA).

The Force Commander said this would help SNA take full charge of the country’s security.

“It is a chance for us to review what we have been tasked to do over the next year and align our thinking, as well as to outline to you some of the changes and developments that we are currently working on, towards implementing the strategic direction from the African Union,” Lt Gen. Soubagleh told the sector commanders.

The conference was officially opened by the Special Representative of the African Union Commission Chairperson (SRCC) and Head of AMISOM Ambassador Francisco Madeira.

Lt. Gen. Soubagleh said he will soon outline his thoughts on how to achieve the new strategic direction, adding that it was an opportunity for AMISOM officers to discuss and refine how the joint planning and operations with SNA will be conducted.

The Force Commander reiterated that AMISOM’s mandate cannot be effectively accomplished without capacitating the SNA, to ensure long term security and stability of Somalia.

“With the support of our partners and allies, we must help train them (Somali National Army), build their confidence. We must plan and conduct operations with them and when they are ready, we must handover the lead for security to them. Only then, can we leave Somalia,” added the Force Commander.

He also urged the Sector Commanders to utilise the conference for reflective deliberations that will determine the force’s course of operations in the next one year, central to which will be ensuring adequate security in the forthcoming elections.

Ambassador Madeira commended the troops for their bravery in liberating territory from Al-Shabaab and freeing many Somali citizens from the tyranny of the terrorists.

The SRCC appealed to the commanders to strategize on how to build on the successes made so far, to ensure total degradation and defeat of Al-Shabaab as well as restoration of peace in the whole of Somalia.