Somalia: Six Hundred Soldiers Complete Refresher Course

By NewsfromAfrica

MOGADISHU--- Somali President, Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed Saturday commissioned six hundred Somali soldiers, who had completed a refresher military training at Al Jazeera camp in Mogadishu, Somalia.

The forces underwent ten weeks of refresher training, run by AMISOM’s military component, which focused on leadership, skill at arms and field military tactics. AMISOM is mandated to assist, re-establish and build the capacity of Somali troops under the National Security and Stabilization Plan.

The function was a powerful display of the strength of Somali culture and nationalism. The president commented: “As soldiers you have no clans, your clan is Somalia. You must never lose sight of this.”

Emphasizing the important role the Somali National Army has to protect civilians the President said: “Soldiers are subordinate to civil authority; they must never harm civilians and must do their utmost to protect civilian’s lives and property.”

AMISOM deputy Force Commander, Brig. Audace Ndiwumunsi stated: “The training is part of ongoing activities to work side-by-side with the Somali people to build the capacity of the government, security and legal institutions; ensuring long term peace and stability."

Brig Ndiwumunsi added: “When AMISOM withdraws from the country, Somali security forces must be able to defend Somalia’s citizens and the country’s borders.”

Since the UN boosted AMISOM’s troop capacity to 17,700 forces, AMISOM, alongside the Somali National Army, recently advanced to the outer limits of Mogadishu.