Change of guard: KDF gets new contingent commander in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Kenya Defense Forces [KDF] troops serving in Sector II of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] received a new contingent commander, with the force now expected to work closely with other partners in ending the Al-Shabaab menace within the Horn of Africa nation.

Brigadier William Kamoiro replaced Brigadier Jattani Gula who has been in charge of Sector II after his tour of duty can to an end. He was the first commander under the new mission; ATMIS, which changed the name from AMISOM following radical changes in the mission.

According to KDF, Brigadier Kamoiro brings to the mission a wealth of experience Spanning over 33 years in the Kenya Defence Forces. He has vast experience in theater operations. Previously, he served as African Union Mission in Somalia [AMISOM] Commanding Officer in 2016 and later served as a Defence Attaché to China between the year 2017 to 2020, the statement noted.

Throughout his sparkling career, he has served in various peace support operations under the UN and AU. For instance African Union Mission in Somalia [AMISOM], DRC Congo, and Yugoslavia. Prior to his appointment as the ATMIS II Sector two Commander, he is the Commander 2 Brigade, KDF said.

Additionally, he was the Commanding Officer of the Amphibious operation that was conducted in 2012 to capture Kismayo and now he is back again for the final push that will see Somalia Security Forces run their security issues by December 2024.

The new commander assumed responsibilities during a ceremony in Dhobley, the headquarters of Sector II of ATMIS near the border of Kenya and Somalia. He comes at the time ATMIS troops are closely working with Somali National Army [SNA] and US Africa Command in pursuit of Al-Shabaab.

While thanking soldiers for resilience and discipline in the mission, he noted that the KDF troops had successfully degraded Al Shabaab in the area and called for further degradation of the enemy’s capabilities to secure Somalia and the region.

“The contingent will initiate various Civil-Military Cooperation [CIMIC] projects to stabilize the operating environment and impact positively on the lives of the local populace and further will enhance interoperability between the KDF troops and the Somali Security Forces [SSF] by working together in conducting various operations against Al Shabaab,” stated Brigadier Kamoiro.

It is anticipated that the ATMIS troops will leave Somalia at the end of next year depending on the progress made in the fight against Al-Shabaab and the preparedness of the Somali National Army, which is set to assume full security responsibilities in the country, which has to battle with instability for the last three decades.

GAROWE ONLINE