The Special Representative for the African Union commission Chairperson Souef Mohamed El-Amine has lauded the Ethiopian government forces for their pivotal role in stabilizing Somalia.
Speaking at ceremony held by ATMIS held to reward Ethiopia National Defense Forces (ENDF) troops stationed in South West State, El-Amine applauded the forces for combatting with Al-Shabab and urged them to continue taking a leading role in the elimination of the extremist group.
The ceremony was also attended by South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen.
It was a unique occasion to thank the contingent for its commitment to support the #Somali for #Peace, #Security, and stability in the country. This contingent will rotate while ATMIS is engaging in phase II of its drawdown and transfer security responsibility to the #FGS. 2/2 ?? pic.twitter.com/9JLdm9t06v
— Souef Mohamed El-Amine (@souefmo_elamine) August 9, 2023
Laftagareen called on the Ethiopian forces to continue lending a helping hand to the Somali security with a view to summonting Al-Shabab which has been a thorn in the flesh for the Horn of Africa Nation for decades.
During the ceremony, the Ethiopian soldiers displayed parts of their armoury machines and military hardware to the visiting ATMIS delegation and South West State leadership.
Others who were in attendance included Muktar Mohamed, the Ethiopian Ambassador to Somalia, and Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, the ATMIS Force Commander.
Ethiopian government troops have for many years been embroiled in the fight against counter-terrorism in several parts of the country and have been significant in the toppling of the terror group from strategic towns including the capital Mogadishu in 2011.
