The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) and Head of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), H.E. Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, has praised Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) personnel serving in Somalia for their dedication to the mission’s mandate.
During his maiden visit to the Sector One Headquarters in Mogadishu, Ambassador Diene lauded the troops’ high morale and commitment, particularly following the recent capture of Bariire from Al-Shabaab. “We found a very well-motivated sector with well-engaged troops,” he said.
He stressed that mission leadership must not only listen to operational challenges but work proactively to address them. He assured the troops of AUSSOM Headquarters’ full support in resolving issues raised from the field and encouraged stronger stabilisation efforts from all partners, including AUSSOM, Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs), the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), and international allies. “Be assured of my commitment to solve, help, and do our utmost to support you,” Ambassador Diene affirmed.
Sector One Commander Brig Gen Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga, in his briefing to the SRCC, described the sector as “the breadbasket and centre of gravity of Somalia” because of its strategic role in maintaining stability. He noted that the visit came at a time when the sector had just dislodged Al-Shabaab from Bariire, a success that has further boosted troop morale.
Ambassador Diene was accompanied by Deputy SRCC H.E. Ambassador Mouktar Osman, AUSSOM Chief of Staff Maj Gen Kindu Gezu, and other senior Force Headquarters staff.
The meeting was attended by senior Sector One officers, including Administration Officer Col John Mark Ssemanda, Military Information Officer Lt Col Jean Rukiira, Operations Officer Lt Col Gervas Kabagambe, component commanders, and departmental heads
