Uganda Battle Group 35(BG 35), serving under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has been commended for securing Barawe Sector during the recent concluded Holy month of Ramadhan.
The compliments were made by the District Commissioner (DC) of Barawe, Dr Libar Asukar Osman at the end of the six additional days of fasting after Ramadhan (Sitat) in Barawe town about 250km South of the Somali Capital Mogadishu.
“During the Ramadhan period, Alshabaab normally intensifies operations by attacking ATMIS forces, Somali National Army (SNA), and the local population. I am glad that this time you were able to counter them and we had a peaceful fasting period and Iddi-el-fitr celebrations,” Dr Asukar Osman remarked.
He further noted that, despite being newly deployed in the mission area, he is impressed by BG 35 methods of work and their good relationship with the local populace of Barawe. He pledged full support to ATMIS in a bid to pacify Somalia.
According to the Islamic faith, Sitat is meant for those who did not fulfil the Ramadhan fasting and those seeking double blessings.
The ATMIS BG 35 Commander Col Benard Kashemeza congratulated the people of Barawe upon successfully completing the fasting period, Iddi-el-fitr and Sitat.
He said ATMIS is deployed in Somalia to ensure peace prevails in country and to promote the spirit of Pan-Africanism. “We cannot sit down and watch as if everything is normal, yet our brothers and sisters in Somalia are suffering; we have to step up and offer the support that is within our means to ensure peace,” said Col Kashemeza.
He advised Alshabaab to stop fighting such a destructive war but instead join hands with government in the development of Somalia. “We should leave in harmony and develop our country Somalia and Africa at large, let’s stop fighting and leave in peace,” he urged.
In a related development, a section of residents of Embresso have donated a bull to BG 35 as an appreciation for safeguarding them during the holy month of Ramadhan. The bull was delivered to BG 35 Headquarters at Embresso by the former Deputy District Commissioner Barawe, Mr Bashir Mohamed Yusuf and SNA Commander Barawe Battalion Col Abdulahman.
Col Kashemeza flanked by Battle Group Principal staff officers received and appreciated the donation and pledged his full support to the people of Embresso in terms of security.
Both occasions were graced by the local elders of Embresso.
