AU force commander visits KDF, ENDF troops in Jubaland

KISMAYO, Somalia - Newly appointed African Union Mission Forces Commander Lieutenant General Diomede Ndegeya concluded his familiarization trip to the remaining AMISOM Sectors in Somalia, as he embarks on a long journey of instilling order and guiding the foreign troops out of the Horn of Africa nation.

The AMISOM team has Six Sectors in Somalia mainly manned by troops from specific nations. On Wednesday, Lt. Ndegeya visited Kenya Defense Forces [KDF] serving in Sector II and VI before concluding his trip to Ethiopian National Defense Forces [ENDF] stationed in Sector VI of AMISOM in Jubaland state.

Sector II headquarters are stationed in Dhobley near the Kenya-Somalia border while Sector VI offices are located in Kismayo, the regional administrative capital of Jubaland. The troops from the two countries have played an indispensable role in restoring stability in the Horn of Africa nation.

At Dhobley, the Force Commander was received by Sector two Commander Brig. Gen. Paul Njema and his senior commanders and later inspected a guard of honor mounted by KDF AMISOM troops, AMISOM said he n a statement, adding that the top commander lauded KDF troops for their commitment.

“Kenya is committed to peace, hence sending its troops to help Somalia to help in stabilization and development,” said Lt. Gen. Ndegeya, adding that Sector II became the first to deploy a rapid response unit which can swiftly respond to any incident within its Area of Responsibility [AoR].

Additionally, Lt. Gen. Ndegeya praised sector two for leading in Civil-Military Cooperation [CIMIC] activities and having one of the most active Female Engagement Teams [FET] which has been instrumental in local community work.

“I must also laud you for leading other sectors by putting up a rapid response mobile force that is able to provide quick reaction to any threats in your sector,” said Ndegeya, who assumed responsibility in August following the exit of Lieutenant General Tigabu Yilma, an Ethiopian National Defense Forces [ENDF] general.

He added: “It would be unfair not to mention your much appreciated and needed CIMIC activities that continue to provide healthcare, farming, and other opportunities to the local population. Your excellent CIMIC is spearheaded by the passion and the kindness of your female engagement team.”

While in Dhobley the Force Commander had a closed-door meeting with sector two commanders, Brig. Gen. Njema and his senior commanders, on the security situation in the area and the welfare of AMISOM troops. Lt. Gen. Ndegeya was later taken on a guided tour of the base where some CIMIC activities take place. They included a vegetable farm and a metal fabrication workshop where locals learn life skills including carpentry.

Later, the Force Commander then flew to sector six in Kismayo. In Kismayo, he was received by Sector two commander Brig. Gen. Paul Njema who represented sector six Commander Brig. Gen. Juma Shee Mwinyikai who was out of the mission.

Gen. Ndegeya praised the Kenyan forces for scoring some of the biggest victories for AMISOM, with the capture of the southern port city of Kismayo in late 2012, which was a hub for Al-Shabaab terrorists.

“On October 1, 2012, the Kenyan Defense Forces gave AMISOM one of the biggest victories when together with the Somalia forces they captured the port city. To date, this remains one of the major defeats against the terrorists because the Kismayo port was their main source of funds and the main gateway to importing weapons,” Lt. Gen. Ndegeya said.

Sector six and sector two are the southernmost AMISOM sectors in the Jubaland State of Somalia and borders Kenya. AMISOM Forces there together with Jubaland Security Forces [JSF] continue to push and fight terrorists to liberate more towns and help free the local population from brutality.

GAROWE ONLINE