AU Transition Mission in Somalia Concludes Induction for New Military Staff
This training underscores ATMIS's commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism and effectiveness in its peace support operations in Somalia.
MOGADISHU, Somalia — The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) completed a five-day mandatory induction training for newly deployed military staff officers on June 29, 2024, writes Winston Mwale.
The program aimed to familiarize officers with peace-support operations and the mission's mandate.
Acting ATMIS Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Marius Ngendabanka, emphasized the training's importance in integrating officers into their critical roles.
"ATMIS is a multi-dimensional mission with complex operations in a dynamic environment, and therefore your expertise and judgment will be key to supporting our operations," Ngendabanka said at the opening ceremony.
The training covered various topics, including:
- ATMIS mandate and structure
- Standard Operating Procedures and Rules of Engagement
- Law of Armed Conflict and Child Protection
- Civil-military cooperation
- Conduct and discipline
- Prevention of sexual abuse and exploitation
- Civilian casualty tracking and reporting
- Somali culture and religion
- ICT security and explosive hazard awareness
At the closing ceremony, Deputy Force Commander Maj. Gen. Peter Kimani Muteti expressed confidence that participants had gained the necessary knowledge to advance ATMIS's mandate.
"It is important to ensure that the mandate of ATMIS and the follow-on mission are carried forward with the ultimate goal of ensuring peace and stability in Somalia and the Horn of Africa region," Muteti stated.
Col. Dismas Hakizimana, ATMIS Burundi contingent Deputy Commander, speaking on behalf of participants, acknowledged the training's value in preparing them for their duties.
The induction program is designed to equip military staff officers with skills to provide expert advice to Force Headquarters in areas such as intelligence, logistics, planning, operations, and coordination.
It also ensures officers understand the work environment, potential challenges, and mitigation measures in the complex Somali context.
This training underscores ATMIS's commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism and effectiveness in its peace support operations in Somalia.