APA-Mogadishu-(Somalia) A third Force Commander for the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) has assumed office in Mogadishu on Friday, as a huge farewell ceremony was held for former AMISOM chief Major General Francis Okello in the presence of Somali president and top AU political and military leaders.Major General Nathan Mugisha takes over from Major General Okello, whose successful tour of duty has ended in accordance with the AU Commission terms and conditions of service. Okello has been at the helm of AMISOM troops for almost one and a half years now, having taken over office on the 29th February 2008 from Major General Levi Karuhanga, who was the first AMISOM Force Commander.
Major General Mugisha takes over command of AMISOM forces a time when the peace process has gained momentum and enjoys overwhelming support from the international community. The UN last year adopted a resolution to provide logistical support to AMISOM. In June this year in Brussels, the international community pledged at least US$ 213 million towards AMISOM and the Somali security sector. The AU continues to mobilize member states to deploy more troops in Somalia so as to attain the desired troop levels of 8000.
Somali president Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed who addressed Okello’s farewell ceremony described him as a hero who accomplished his duty in a very critical time, presenting him different Somali cultural things as a presidential gift.
The Force Commander has the over-all responsibility of command and control of all the troops and equipment in the mission area. However, only Uganda and Burundi have so far deployed a total strength of over 5000 peacekeepers.
Presiding over the handing-over-take over ceremony at MISOM force headquarters in Hallane, Mogadishu, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mr Nicolas Bwakira said that AMISOM has reasons to smile for the achievements recorded under very difficult circumstances. He added that these achievements have been recognized by the international community.
The Special Representative highly commended the work of the out-going Force Commander and praised his personal and professional qualities, adding that he is one of the best officers in the region. He also paid tribute to the officers who had rendered support to Okello during his tenure of office...more..http://www.apanews.net/public/apa.php?page=show_article_eng&id_article=104333
MOGADISHU, Aug 14 (TF.SF) -Colourful farewell party attended by top Somali government officials including the President of Somalia his Excellency Sheikh Ahmed, the Prime Minister Abdi Rashid Ali Sharmarke the speaker of the house, several other Ministers and legislators has on Friday taken place in the Somali presidential Villa in Mogadishu the farewell party was all about the commander of the African Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Major general Francis Okello who has accomplished his commanding period in Somalia, and has smilingly handed over the responsibility to the new AMISOM Commander Major general Nathan Mugishy though he was not right at the well decorate hall where the colourful farewell party was taking “First and foremost my gratitude goes to the Somali government officials and the entire of the Somali people, and during my days in Somali I have adequate experience of the culture of the Somali people which I can actually say is to the standard, in fact they are understanding and full respect, and I appeal from the entire of the Somali community to pardon” said major general Okello addressing the turnout in the his farewell party. The Mr. Okello also added in his speech the AMISOM will continue it is support to the Somali government and its people. The president of Somalia Sheikh Shariff has also addressed the participants, and thanked the entire of AMISOM troops on the ground and their Commander for their boldness in helping the Somalia people. There are almost 4500 AU troops from Uganda which was the first country to send its troops to Somalia immediately after President Yussuf was elected in 200 followed by Burunhttp://www.hiiraan.com/AMISOM/AMISOM%20Newsletter%20014-2009.pdf
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