AMISOM force commander, Lt. General Andrew Gutti on Sunday (November 25th) made a visit to Belet Weyne the capital of Hiiraan region to inspect the Djiboutian contingent of AMISOM now deployed in Belet Weyne.

The Djibouti forces have recently taken over security from Ethiopian troops in the area. Belet Weyne is their headquarters. The Force Commander commended the troops for the admirable job they have done in their efforts including assisting the local population during the recent floods.

"I salute you for doing a commendable job to ensure the safety of the population," General Gutti said. AMISOM's mandate involves support for humanitarian relief and the provision of medical care as well as combat operations.

The Djibouti contingent has also been involved in local reconciliation as well as regrouping and training various militias and integrating them into the Somali National Army. During his visit, the Force Commander told representatives of the Somali Armed Forces that AMISOM will from January next year begin training Somali National Army units inside Somalia.

These will be recruited from all regions in order to create a national force able to take responsibility for the security of the nation. During his visit, Lt. General Gutti met with the AMISOM Sector Commander, Colonel Osman Doubad, the Governor of Hiraan region, Abdifatah Hassan and the Commander of the Somali National Army units in Hiiraan, Colonel Tawane Ahmed Mohammed.