The command of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) held a security meeting with the administration of Afgooye district, Somali security officials, business owners, and representatives from the local community of the Carbiska area in the Lower Shabelle region.
The meeting, chaired by the commander of the 46th Brigade of AUSSOM forces, Colonel Saul Nabimanya, focused on strengthening cooperation between the military, the administration, and the local community to consolidate peace and secure safety.
The Commissioner of Afgooye District, Said Abdullahi Hiraabe, commended the role of Ugandan forces participating in the AUSSOM mission, praising their contribution toward safeguarding the security of the area.
He additionally emphasized the importance of collaboration between government institutions, African Union forces, and the local populace to achieve enduring security.
Colonel Saul Nabimanya expressed appreciation to the Somali National Armed Forces, the police, and the local community for their collaborative efforts in securing safety and confronting Al-Shabaab.
He noted that cooperation between security forces and the community is vital to the success of the ongoing security operation in Somalia.
The commander of the Carbiska local police, Lieutenant Mohamed Ali, highlighted AUSSOM’s support in intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, and the clearing of landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) across the Lower Shabelle region.
He called for further strengthening cooperation between security forces and the community to preempt hazards stemming from explosive devices planted along roadways and public thoroughfares.
Traditional elders participating in the meeting pledged in turn that they would continue supporting efforts dedicated to ensuring regional peace and stability.
The meeting was likewise attended by the commander of AUSSOM’s 49th Brigade, Colonel Gaston Mugarura, military officers, and members of the local community.
These meetings form part of AUSSOM’s ongoing initiatives to reinforce civil-military relations, aiming to foster continuous cooperation between local administration, security forces, and the public.
The Afgooye and Carbiska meeting underscores the vital principle that security must not be restricted to military operations alone, but must incorporate community support, intelligence sharing, and inter-agency security collaboration.