Soldiers fought well at Janaale says AMISOM Force Commander

Sunday September 6, 2015

Lt. General Jonathan Rono, the Force Commander of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the AMISOM sector one Contingent Commander Brigadier Sam Kavuma have visited the frontline and interacted with the AMISOM troops from Uganda at the Janaale base in Lower Shaballe region, Somalia

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The AMISOM Force Commander Lt. Gen. Jonathan Rono has visited Janaale, in the Lower Shabelle region, where he reiterated the need for continued co-operation from local populations to enable AMISOM provide the assistance they need, for total liberation from 'al Shabaab' terror.

He was speaking as he interacted with the troops and toured the scene of the recent battle in which AMISOM troops engaged 'al Shabaab' militants.

General Rono described the troops’ response to the attack by the militants as impressive and their resilience in the fight for peace in Somalia commendable.

"I want to pass my condolences to our dear colleagues, the brave soldiers whom we lost and some injured, giving their input for the problem that this country is facing.

"Personally I came to condole with them and to encourage those who are still on the ground and I must say I was very impressed with what they did.

"I think the soldiers fought their fight well and I must commend them," he said.

Gen. further noted that such callous attacks will not deter AMISOM from fighting to attain its mandate, to support the Federal Government of Somalia and the Somali people in restoring lasting peace, freeing them from the hand of terror perpetuated by Al Shabaab militants.

"We are here for a purpose, we are here to assist Somalia, to have a peaceful life and we are asking the local people to be with us, to work with us to help them.

"Because within us here we are living within a community of our Somali people who have been harassed for so long and we are getting the same harassment.

"I think it will not be long, we will not stop at anything except to see that people here remain at peace and that our soldiers perform their duty and go back well," added Gen. Rono.

The Force Commander further cautioned against 'al Shabaab' propaganda, continued spread of lie meant to depict the situation in a negative light.

He pointed out the Janaale bridge, which the militants claimed had been blown away, but is currently being used by both the area residents and the military.

He was accompanied by the AMISOM Uganda Contingent Commander Brig. General Sam Kavuma, AMISOM Chief Security Officer Col (Retired) Peter Chegge, Deputy Chief Information Officer Ezra Kukundakwe and Chief Logistics officer Col. Gerbilkebedi Regassa, among others.

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