AMISOM Force Commander Lt. Gen. Jonathan Rono has commended AMISOM troops based in Kismayo for the remarkable work they are undertaking in improving security in the Jubba region.

He was speaking during a visit to Kismayo, where he addressed AMISOM troops drawn from the Kenya Defence Force and Burundi National Defence Force. He was apprised on the security situation, operations, administrative issues as well as the sector’s achievements and challenges.

In his remarks, the Sector Commander for Kismayo Lt. Col John Kipya noted that the situation in the region has been generally calm, with attacks from Al Shabaab significantly reduced, especially use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

Lt. Col. Kipya also spoke of the significant achievements by the military in the sector, including the capture of Kuday Island early in the year, the destruction of Al Shabaab camps in Eli Ad, Yontoy and Shantaar Muut, securing key installations in the town, demolition of IEDs and landmines. As a result of these achievements, he noted that the  environment was now conducive for social, economic and political activity.

Lt. Gen. Rono commended the troops for the vigilance with which they execute their work. He urged them to uphold the good relations they enjoy with the local communities, which they have nurtured through civil-military activities.

"The only way we can succeed is to have the good support of the people of Somalia, to have the willingness by the population. This willingness enables information sharing, which has played a significant role in making our operations a big success ,” he said.

The Force Commander also took a moment to appreciate the soldiers’ self sacrifice, the sacrifice by their families and that of Troop Contributing Countries, which has made it possible for AMISOM to exist and to succeed in its operations. He called for sustenance of this spirit of service.

"I am proud of what you have accomplished; I am proud of AMISOM soldiers. I am proud of what you have done here in Kismayo. Our job has been one; to deal with Al Shabaab, create an environment conducive for Somalis to do their business and we have done that,” he added.

The Force Commander urged the troops to keep their morale high, as they prepare for upcoming operations, to liberate the remaining pockets where Al Shabaab still occupy.