Britain boosts AU mission’s efforts to stabilize Somalia

Britain has donated 47 heavy machineries to help boost the capacity of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in its fight against extremist group, al-Shabab as part of efforts to stabilize the Horn of the African nation.

AMISOM said on Sunday the heavy machinery which includes tractor trucks, bulldozers, backhoe and front-end loaders, forklifts and module dump tipper among others will help in clearing main supply routes as the force steps up the condition-based transition process.

“We know with this equipment, we can improve our operations capability and also it will help us, jointly with the Somalis, meet the requirement of Phase One of our transition,” Sector One Commander, Brigadier Paul Lokech said in a statement issued in Mogadishu.

Lokech said the heavy machinery equipment which will be used mostly in the southern region and Mogadishu will come in handy in the current period when the force is determined to kick out al-Shabab from the key areas they still occupy.

He pledged to use the equipment wisely to make the transition process a success and also secure main supply routes to enable free movement of humanitarian supplies and people.

The UN Security Council in 2017 approved the gradual reduction of AMISOM troops and transfer of security responsibilities to Somali national security forces.

The AU troops are participating in many operations, ranging from conducting combat operations against the al-Shabab to securing the Main Supply Routes, by conducting regular patrols and escorting vehicles carrying humanitarian relief aid.

British Ambassador to Somalia, David Concar who delivered the equipment said his government will collaborate with AMISOM in its efforts to stabilize Somalia and help secure lasting peace and security.

“What we are doing today, transferring 5.6 million pounds worth of equipment is, we hope, going to make a real difference to the ability of AMISOM to clear roads, supply routes and to press ahead with stabilizing Somalia and working in partnership with Somalia’s own forces as they get stronger,” Concar said.