Mogadishu, 28 April 2024 – The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), has commended Sierra Leone for its immense contribution to peace efforts in Somalia and the rest of the continent.
The commendations were made during the country’s 63rd Independence Day celebrations in Mogadishu on Saturday evening. Sierra Leone attained independence from Britain on 27 April 1961.
The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mohammed El-Amine Souef, acknowledged the selfless commitment of Sierra Leoneans to Somalia’s peacebuilding process.
“I express thanks and gratitude to the brilliant contingent of Sierra Leone in the Mission for its engagement and commitment to peace and security in Somalia,” said the SRCC at the event attended by Sierra Leonean peacekeepers and compatriots working in Somalia with other agencies.
The SRCC described Sierra Leone as a country full of resilience and hope, overcoming a brutal civil war and a deadly Ebola epidemic to become a key player in peacekeeping on the continent and the world.
“The Sierra Leone contingent has been playing an important role in peace and security in the African continent. As one of the three African countries in the Security Council, Sierra Leone continues to play an important role in maintaining peace, security and stability in this lovely country,” noted Ambassador Souef.
The Head of the AU Peace Support Operations Division, Gen. Cheick Dembele, who also graced the occasion, praised Sierra Leoneans for their tenacity and positive attitude despite the country’s challenges.
ATMIS Chief Logistics Officer, Col. Jean Bosco Sibondavyi, hailed Sierra Leone for its support and peace initiatives in Africa, emphasizing the sacrifices made by the country in promoting peace and stability in Somalia.
“On this special day and on behalf of the ATMIS military component I extend best wishes to Sierra Leoneans serving with ATMIS on their 63rd independence anniversary as they chart a path towards greater peace, security and prosperity,” said Col. Sibondavyi who represented the Acting Force Commander.
The Deputy ATMIS Police Commissioner, CP Martin Amoru, highlighted Sierra Leone’s spirit of Pan-Africanism and urged others to emulate the West African country.
“I recognise your hard work and dedication to the peace process in Somalia,” noted CP Amoru.
Other speakers including top UN representatives recognised the hard work and dedication of Sierra Leonians serving in Somalia across different organisations and missions.
Sierra Leone is a Police Contributing Country (PCCs) to ATMIS and has a contingent of Formed Police Unit personnel in Somalia.
