ATMIS staff officers conclude induction training in Mogadishu

Mogadishu, Somalia | THE INDEPENDENT |  An intense five-day induction course for 32 newly deployed staff officers serving with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) ended with a call on the officers to serve with dedication and professionalism.

The plea to work to advance attainment of the Mission’s mandate was made in Mogadishu on Friday by the ATMIS Acting Deputy Force Commander in Charge of Support and Logistics, Col. Jean Bosco Sibondavyi, while presiding over the closing ceremony of the training, aimed at acquainting the officers with the Mission’s standard operating procedures (SOPs).

“The SOPs, the code of conduct must be taken seriously during your tour of duty and also take time to appraise yourselves with the Somali culture, religion and language,” said Col. Sibondavyi.

He expressed hope the training had equipped the officers with the necessary expertise to contribute effectively to the Mission’s success.

The mandatory training was designed to ensure officers understood the work environment, expected challenges and mitigation measures.

“This training is very important for every new staff deployed in the Mission, to bring them to speed with the situation on the ground and also help them adjust to the Mission,” said ATMIS Military Training Officer and coordinator of the course, Lt. Col. Samuel Kwesi Alemawor.

The officers were taken through various topics including staff officers discipline, code of conduct and ATMIS SOPs, discipline and prevention of sexual abuse and exploitation, rules of engagement and law of armed conflict.

Others were ATMIS mandate and mission structure, civilian casualty tracking and reporting, Somali culture and religion, ATMIS military operational framework, ICT security and best practices and explosive hazard awareness.

The officers acknowledged the significance of the training in fulfilling their responsibilities.

ATMIS Military Chief of Operations (COO) Col. Michael Katambira, said the training was beneficial in understanding the situation on the ground.

“It has also helped in understanding the culture of the people we will work with. Also, to understand the Mission’s mandate and the dos and don’ts,” said Col. Katambira.

Maj. Vicky Achiro, expressed gratitude for the knowledge gained, emphasizing its importance in executing their duties.

“We have learned a lot of things that will guide us and make it easy for us to execute our assignments.”

Meanwhile, The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), has commended Sierra Leone for its immense contribution to peace efforts in Somalia and the rest of the continent.

The commendations were made during the country’s 63rd Independence Day celebrations in Mogadishu on Saturday evening.  Sierra Leone attained independence from Britain on 27 April 1961

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mohammed El-Amine Souef, acknowledged the selfless commitment of Sierra Leoneans to Somalia’s peacebuilding process.

“I express thanks and gratitude to the brilliant contingent of Sierra Leone in the Mission for its engagement and commitment to peace and security in Somalia,” said the SRCC at the event attended by Sierra Leonean peacekeepers and compatriots working in Somalia with other agencies.

The SRCC described Sierra Leone as a country full of resilience and hope, overcoming a brutal civil war and a deadly Ebola epidemic to become a key player in peacekeeping on the continent and the world.

“The Sierra Leone contingent has been playing an important role in peace and security in the African continent. As one of the three African countries in the Security Council, Sierra Leone continues to play an important role in maintaining peace, security and stability in this lovely country,” noted Ambassador Souef.

The Head of the AU Peace Support Operations Division, Gen. Cheick Dembele, who also graced the occasion, praised Sierra Leoneans for their tenacity and positive attitude despite the country’s challenges.

ATMIS Chief Logistics Officer, Col. Jean Bosco Sibondavyi, hailed Sierra Leone for its support and peace initiatives in Africa, emphasizing the sacrifices made by the country in promoting peace and stability in Somalia.

“On this special day and on behalf of the ATMIS military component I extend best wishes to Sierra Leoneans serving with ATMIS on their 63rd independence anniversary as they chart a path towards greater peace, security and prosperity,” said Col. Sibondavyi who represented the Acting Force Commander.

The Deputy ATMIS Police Commissioner, CP Martin Amoru, highlighted Sierra Leone’s spirit of Pan-Africanism and urged others to emulate the West African country. “I recognise your hard work and dedication to the peace process in Somalia,” noted CP Amoru.

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SOURCE: ATMIS