MOGADISHU, 5 May 2022 – The Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC) for Somalia, Ms. Fiona Lortan, has commended Sierra Leone for its contribution to peace operations and hailed the progress the country has made in terms of reconciliation, which could serve as a blueprint for other African countries.
Ms. Lortan made the remarks on Tuesday in Mogadishu, at a function to celebrate Sierra Leone’s 61st independence anniversary.
Sierra Leone, one of the police contributing countries (PCCs) to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), attained independence from Britain on 27 April 1961.
“The contribution that Sierra Leone can make is undoubtedly profound and especially when looked at from the point of view of reconciliation,” Ms. Lortan said.
The DSRCC added, “Despite everything that you have been through, you have decided to take the path of reconciliation and to learn to live with those who are your enemies.”
At the event, the DSRCC congratulated the West African country and hailed ATMIS personnel for their contribution to the peace process in Somalia.
ATMIS Deputy Force Commander in charge of Operations and Plans, Maj. Gen. William Kitsao Shume commended Sierra Leone nationals serving in the Mission for contributing to peace and stability in Somalia.
“Between 2012 and 2014, Sierra Leone was one of the troop contributing countries until their service was disrupted by the unfortunate outbreak of Ebola. We honour our Sierra Leone brothers, including those who paid the ultimate price,” said Maj. Gen. Shume.
ATMIS Police Commissioner, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP), Augustine Magnus Kailie, noted that Sierra Leone and Somalia share a lot in common.
“Some of us have been refugees, some of us have been displaced people, so we know the problems of Somalia. We empathise with them. We know what they are going through,” AIGP Kailie noted.
He added, “A lot of people have shed their blood to let us have peace, and that is the peace we are enjoying today in Sierra Leone.”
A contingent of Sierra Leone Formed Police Unit (FPU) under ATMIS is stationed in the Jubaland State of Somalia, supporting their Somali Police counterparts in keeping law and order.
Other PCCs to ATMIS are Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and Zambia.
Also present at the event was the ATMIS Deputy Force Commander in charge of Support and Logistics, Maj. Gen. Gerbi Kebede Regassa, senior ATMIS military officials, and Sierra Leone nationals serving under the mission.