AMISOM hands over military vehicles to Somali Nat'l Army

Addis Ababa, May 22, 2012 (WIC) - The African Union Mission for Somalia (AMISOM) handed over 33 vehicles to the Somali National Army Friday, the AU told ENA in a press release yesterday.

The vehicles include 16 trucks, ten pickups and a water tanker donated by theUS Government as part of its effort to rebuilding the Somali National Security Sector, it said.

Presenting the vehicles, AU Special Representative Ambassador Boubacar Gaoussou Diarra thanked the US Government for the donation which, he, said help strengthen international effort towards the rebuilding of a national army for Somalia.

He said: “ the donation comes at a time when the Somali National Army with support of AMISOM is making tremendous gains in the drive to defeat Al-Shabaab terrorists.’’

He said the vehicles will provide the much needed logistical support to them as they continue to liberate new areas as well as improving security for the Somali people in the liberated areas.

Receiving the donation, Deputy Prime Minister Abdulwahab Ugas Hussein Ugas Khalif said the TFG also expressed appreciation to the US Government for the donation. He also reiterated the TFG’s determination to defeat Al-Shabaab.

AU High Representative for Somalia Jerry John Rawlings has also witnessed the ceremony. He emphasized the need for good coordination among members of the international community in their support to the TFG particularly in the training of security forces.

He urged the Somali security forces to ensure high standards of discipline and protect human rights, especially the disadvantaged and Internally Displeased Persons (IDPs) living in camps.