Troops from Djibouti serving under the African Union’s stabilisation mission in Somalia have been deployed to the central city of Beledweyne, officials have said.
The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), will assume responsibility for security in Beledweyne and the nearby town of Buulo Burde.
The newly arrived 13th Battalion replaces the 11th Battalion, which has completed its rotation after several months of operations in Beledweyne, Dhuusamareeb and Buulo Burde.
The unit is led by its commander, Ahmed Adan Abdullahi, and was received at Ugaas Khaliif Airport by outgoing battalion commander Mohamed Omar Said, along with other Djiboutian officers.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the incoming commander said his troops were ready to take over operational duties and would continue working with local communities and Somalia’s federal government to maintain security.
Colonel Said urged the new contingent to build strong relations with residents and uphold commitments made by their predecessors to support stability and protect civilians.
The African Union mission plays a central role in stabilisation efforts in Somalia, particularly in regions still facing threats from the Islamist militant group al-Shabab.
