𝐀𝐔 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞’𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has commended Sierra Leone for its immense contribution to the AU peace efforts in Somalia.

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mohammed El-Amine Souef, acknowledged at an event attended by Sierra Leonean peacekeepers and compatriots working in Somalia and with other agencies.

Ambassador El-Amine Souef 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.

He said the Sierra Leone contingent has been playing an important role in peace in the African continent; and as one of the three African countries in the Security Council, Sierra Leone continues to play an important role in maintaining peace and security.

The Head of the Africa Union (AU) Peace Support Operations Division, General Check Dembele, who also graced the occasion praised Sierra Leoneans for their tenacity and positive attitude despite the country’s challenges.

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

Other speakers including United Nations (UN) representatives recognised the hard work and dedication of Sierra Leonean personnel serving in Somalia and across different organisations and missions.

Sierra Leone is a Police Contributing Country (PCCS) to ATMIS and has a contingent of Formed Police Unit personnel in Somalia.