UN and partners support integration of forces into SNA

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) and development partners convened at the integration ceremony of over 1,500 members of local Jubaland clans and militias into the Somali National Army (SNA) in Kismayo yesterday.

The ceremony was attended by H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud, President of the Federal Government of Somalia; Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, President of the Interim Jubba Administration (IJA), representatives of the international community including European Union Ambassador to Somalia Michele Cervone d’Urso, as well as representatives from UNSOM, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union (AU).

Brigadier General Dahir Adan Elmi, Chief of the Somali Defence Forces, stated that the establishment of a strong regional army in Kismayo will boost efforts by the government to fight terrorism and boost security.

Speaking on behalf of international partners, Ambassador Cervone d’Urso pledged continued support towards boosting the institutional capacity of the IJA and other regional administrations.

IJA President Madobe called for unity and service beyond tribe and clan divisions. “We know that the Somali National Army
officers standing in front of us today have been selected on the basis of their districts, clans and territory as the Somalis normally do whenever they are making selection for army training,” he said.

“You must not make that the basis of your training and service here. You join and serve your unit of the army regardless of what tribe you are from. When you do that, you will have lived up to the oath you have taken today and that is what am encouraging you to do,” Mr. Madobe added.

President Mohamoud reiterated the need for selfless service to the nation. “We lost many brave young men to the civil war; many others are still nursing wounds from the senseless war,” he said.

“We saw what happened to our people but what is important now is to make the best of the sacrifice of the Somali people, the sacrifice that you are making to serve your country, the religion, the people and their integrity. That’s our obligation in this life,” President Mohamoud said.

UNSOM continues to support the state-formation process with capacity building of the regional governments and the establishment of effective institutions amongst the key activities being undertaken.