Mogadishu, 7 March 2024 – The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has commended Ghanaian peacekeepers for their contribution to peace and security in Somalia.
At an event in Mogadishu to commemorate 67 years since the West African country gained Independence from British colonial rule, ATMIS Deputy Force Commander in charge of Operations and Plans Maj. Gen Marius Ngendabanka, lauded Ghana’s unwavering commitment to global peace and African unity.
“Your contribution to peace efforts around the world particularly in countries experiencing conflict such as Somalia cannot be overemphasised. Ghana has deployed personnel to the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia to help attain the ATMIS mandate,” said Maj. Gen. Ngendabanka who represented the African Union Special Representative for Somalia, Amb. Mohamed El-Amine Souef.
Senior UN and ATMIS officials including Deputy Force Commander in charge of Support and Logistics, Maj. Gen. Peter Muteti; ATMIS Military Chief of Staff Gen. Kindu Gezu and ATMIS Police Commissioner CP Hillary Sao Kanu attended the event held at the ATMIS Force Headquarters on Wednesday.
ATMIS Police Commissioner (CP), Hillary Sao Kanu emphasised Ghana’s commitment to upholding peace, security, and justice in Africa, attributing enhanced stability in Somalia to Ghanaian peacekeepers’ sacrifices, professionalism, and outstanding performance.
“It is a testament to your unwavering commitment, dedication, professionalism, and outstanding performance in the pursuit of peacekeeping and humanitarian support over the years. Your sacrifices have contributed to enhanced peace and stability in Somalia,” said CP Kanu.
The Director of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), Qurat Ul-Ain Sadozai, who presided over the ceremony, praised Ghana’s legacy of promoting peace and stability, both through the deployment of peacekeeping personnel and civilian staff in African Union and UN missions.
“Ghana’s unwavering commitment to peace has elevated it to the ranks of the top 10 contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, with nearly 3,000 personnel currently serving in eight missions,” noted Ms Sadozai in her remarks.
Ghana formerly, known as the Gold Coast, gained independence from colonial rule on 6 March 1957, becoming the first African country to do so.
This year’s Independence Day celebrations focused on the theme “Our Democracy, Our Pride,” emphasising the reinforcement of democratic values and the promotion of peace.
Ghana has made significant contributions to peace and security in Somalia through the deployment of Formed Police Unit, Individual Police Officers (IPOs), military personnel and civilians.
“Ghana considers her participation in AU and UN sponsored peacekeeping operations as the country’s sacred contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security pursuant to the United Nations charter,” noted Dr Seth Appiah Mensah, the Head of the Ghanaian community in Somalia.