New Kenyan Commander assumes leadership in African Union mission in Somalia

Brigadier Seif Salim Rashid, the new contingent commander of Kenyan troops serving with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), has officially assumed his duties, succeeding his predecessor Brigadier William Kamoiro.

At the handover ceremony held at the ATMIS Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Headquarters in Dhobley, Brigadier Kamoiro, concluding his tour of duty, praised the troops for their diligent efforts in combating Al Shabaab and other armed factions within their area of operations.

“During my tenure as the commander of Sector Two, we have operated within ATMIS mandate in line with the Somali Transition Plan (STP)," he said.

"KDF ATMIS troops and Somali Security Forces (SSF) have pacified Jubaland area under our control and protected the civilian populations. This is through conduct of operations to disrupt and degrade Al-Shabaab capability with our partners in the theatre.”

On his part, Brig. Seif, reiterated his commitment to upholding the legacy of his predecessor.

“We reaffirm our commitment to the Mission objectives outlined by the African Union and the international community and primarily the people of Somalia, whom we are entrusted to protect,” he said.

“Echoing the mantra of Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogola, one force, one mission, together unified and determined, we will continue to make meaningful strides towards a brighter future for the people of Somalia and the entire region.”