Tigabu Yilma, the Force Commander of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), on Monday, September 30, rewarded military officers engaged in the battle against Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia, among them outstanding KDF soldiers.
The AMISOM press mentioned that the 34 Staff Officers were awarded medals and certificates at the Force’s Headquarters in Mogadishu for their contribution in the efforts to restore peace and stability in Somalia.
Yilma stated that the awarded officers, through their dedication, had made a profound impact towards the mission achieving AMISOM's mandate, particularly in the fight against Al-Shabaab terrorists.
He also praised the soldiers for their direct role, which he stated has directly and indirectly impacted the lives of the Somali people.
Yilma further commended the soldiers for their dedication and selfless service towards the restoration of peace, security, and stability in the war-torn country.
"You are the mainstay of this mission. Your efforts have contributed to success on the ground," he stated.
He reiterated the need to continue with the core mandate of the mission in Somalia, which he stated was to restore peace and stability in the country.
“As per AMISOM’s Concept of Operations, we have to clear the main supply routes and secure population centres. The two are intertwined and I am glad that with your support we have been doing that,” Gen. Yilma stated.
Yilma commended the soldiers for their conquests in March 2019, where he intimated that in a joint operation with the Somali National Army, they were able to liberate Sabiid Anole, Bariire, El Salin and Awdheegle towns.
Officers from the United Kingdom Mission Support Team (UK MST), Benin, Burundi, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe were feted in the ceremony.
