Jowhar,11 May 2023 – The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef, has commended ATMIS Burundi contingent for their commitment to security and stability in the Hirshabelle state.
On a working visit to Jowhar in the Hirshabelle state and headquarters of ATMIS Burundi National Defence Forces (BNDF), with the Acting Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Marius Ngendabanka, Ambassador Souef paid glowing tribute to the Burundi forces for effectively multi-tasking – conducting both joint targeted and routine operations, protecting population centres, main supply routes and key state institutions and installations including Parliament, the Presidential palace, State House and the Jowhar Airport and Airfields.
“The joint offensives conducted over the years by the Burundian contingent and Somali Security Forces (SSF), have liberated swathes of territories that were formerly under the control of Al- Shabaab and other armed groups. They were part of the joint forces that successfully fought Al-Shabaab in this region a few months ago and have the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) effectively running”, the SRCC emphasised.
The ATMIS Acting Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Marius Ngendabanka, also commended the ATMIS BNDF soldiers.
“Our visit here today is to laud the important contributions from our Sector 5 contingent and to encourage and boost the morale of our brave soldiers deployed in various Forward Operating Bases (FOBs),” said Maj. Gen. Ngendabanka.
The Commander of ATMIS Burundi National Defence Forces, Brig. Gen. Jean Claude Niyiburana, assured that the troops remain on high alert and will continue to work jointly with Somali Security Forces to achieve the mandate of ATMIS.
The SRCC, Ag. Force Commander and the Sector Commander also interacted with representatives from civil society and Internally Displaced Persons.
Led by the Governor of Middle Shabelle, Ahmed Meyre Makaran, the discussions focused on the humanitarian situation, and areas of cooperation with ATMIS.
The ATMIS delegation also toured the Joint Operation Centre (JOC) and inspected accommodation facilities for the ATMIS Formed Police Unit (FPU).
The Chairlady of the Social Affairs Department in the Middle Shabelle region, Madino Adow Olow, called for more quick impact projects including education and health infrastructure in newly liberated areas.