The Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC), Hon. Lydia Wanyoto-Mutende, officially kicked off courtesy visits to the various sectors in AMISOM.
The purpose of the familiarization visits is for the troops in the contingents to acquaint themselves with the leadership of the mission, and to share their achievements, hopes, as well as challenges pertaining to the execution of their role towards the eventual liberation of Somalia.
Speaking to the soldiers, the DSRCC emphasized the regard with which the mission’s leadership upholds their sacrifice in supporting the Pan-Africanism ideology, and immensely appreciated the role they have played in the mission since deployment first started in 2007.
“On behalf of the African Union, I would like to appreciate your respective countries and yourselves for the acceptance to join this noble cause to support Somalia to liberate its people from extremist insurgency,” she said. “Africa has 53 countries, but out of all those, very few are here, and we want you to know we greatly value this selfless contribution.”
The DSRCC further emphasized the role of women in the mission and in conflict resolution around the world, and lauded the contingents for their gender sensitiveness and inclusion of female soldiers in their battalions. The honorable added that AMISOM aims to see that women get space in leadership roles, both within the mission and Somalia as a whole.
The DSRCC assured the troops that the leadership of the mission will do their utmost best to address all their challenges as explained to her, saying she relates with them about how destructive a war can be to a nation.
“War destroys houses, roads, but most callously, it destroys people and human resource. Hence, on top of the military liberation, there is need for us to work together and help Somalia rebuild the capacity of its people, starting with the national army, so they can ably take charge of their country.”
So far, the Deputy Head of mission has visited the Burundian and Ugandan bases in Sector 5 and 1 respectively, and is in preparations to follow with the other sectors during the next few days.
These visits are part of the DSRCC’s activities in all the key military location points aimed at boosting the morale of the troops by reminding them of the unwavering support and appreciation from the African Union senior leadership.
