The Humanitarian Unit of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has concluded a weeklong coordination workshop with other humanitarian actors, in Kismaayo.

The workshop, whose main aim was to discuss how to enhance civil-military relations and disseminate the Somalia Country Specific Humanitarian Guidelines, was also attended by representatives from the Somali National Army and police officers from AMISOM and the Somali Police Force.

"The training has gone very well and included the military from AMISOM, we have the Burundian contingent, we have the Ethiopian contingent and the Kenyan contingent represented here. We also have SNA from the Somali side and the representatives from the Somali Police Force. The meeting gave us an opportunity to share and talk to each other, understand each other’s role and what AMISOM is planning to do for the local community,’’ said Mr. Abdul Diabagate, AMISOM’s Senior Humanitarian Liaison Officer.

The workshop ended on Tuesday after five days of deliberations. AMISOM Acting Commanding Officer for Kismaayo, Lt. Colonel Emmanuel Chirchir officially closed the meeting.

"All of you should now be able to understand why it is actually critical for all of us to work together, cooperate, and coordinate all of our activities. It is my belief and hope that the seminar will be of utmost importance to you in your duties and places of work,” stated Lt. Col. Chirchir.

Chief Superintendent, Ezeona Ifeoma of AMISOM Police said participants were taught how to engage with and manage relationships with communities. "It is basically about community engagement with AMISOM and all the actors in the Mission and the guidelines specify what each of the components should do and how they can engage with the community to make Somalia a better place,” she said.

AMISOM Deputy Chief of CIMIC Lt. Col Nestor Ndarusanze noted that the training sough to re-establish and promote the principles and practice of cooperation for constructive and effective civil-military engagement. Participants were confident that the knowledge acquired would enrich their work.