Somalia: President Hassan bids farewell to Sierra Leone peacekeepers

KISMAYO, Somalia Dec 18, 2014 (Garowe Online)-Federal Government of Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud along with Jubaland leader Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) has bidden farewell to Sierra Leon peacekeepers in the southern port city of Kismayo on Thursday, Garowe Online reports.

Speaking at a well-organized ceremony, President Mohamud commended Sierra Leonean contingent for contributing to peace, and taking part in the ongoing stabilization efforts in the war-ravaged horn of Africa nation.

He added that Somali people will forever remember the contribution and sacrifices being made by the 850-strong battalion that was deployed in April 2013.

The newly-appointed African Union (AU) special representative for Somalia Ambassador Maman S. Sidikou also attended the event in Kismayo.

Meanwhile, Mohamud held talks with Jubaland officials including President Madobe at Kismayo airport, discussing the nomination of Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke after a month-long political crisis on Wednesday.

Jubaland spokesman Abdinasir Serar Mah welcomed the appointment of career diplomat and Somali envoy to the United States according to a press statement seen by Garowe Online.

Ethiopian-AMISOM forces who crossed the border into Somalia in support of Somalia’s weak central government are poised to replace the departing Sierra Leonean contingent.

GAROWE ONLINE