BELETWEYNE, 6 June 2022: Djiboutian forces serving under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) today joined their counterparts back home in commemorating the 45th anniversary of the Djibouti Armed Forces (DAF).
The event on Monday, held at the ATMIS Sector 4 headquarters in Beletweyne, was marked with a colourful parade and attended by ATMIS and UN personnel, and officials from Hiran region in HirShabelle State.
The commander of Djibouti troops in Somalia, Colonel Humad Ahmed Mohamed, noted that the DAF had made a significant contribution to the peace support operation since its deployment over a decade ago.
“We are here in Somalia to secure peace and support the people. Djibouti forces have been in Somalia for the past 11 years, and we thank God,” Col. Mohamed said.
He added, “We will work closely with Somali security forces who have also joined us to celebrate our anniversary.”
The Governor of Hiran region, Ali Jeyte Osman, congratulated the ATMIS Djibouti forces upon their anniversary and commended them for their contribution to peace and stability in the region.
“Every country has its own historical events which it celebrates. We are happy to celebrate with our brothers (on) this historic day,” said Governor Ali.
Djibouti was the third country to contribute troops to AMISOM. The troops have been instrumental in securing the region by mediating clan conflicts and boosting the capacity of the Somali National Army (SNA), among others.