Mogadishu – April 12th, 2015; The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia Ambassador Maman Sidikou has described the role of the Somali National Army (SNA) in liberating areas previously held by the terrorist group Al-Shabaab as a critical contribution towards peace and stability in the country.
As the Somali National Army marks its 55th Anniversary, Ambassador Sidikou said the SNA which is now recovering and rebuilding after being disbanded during the last two decades of civil war has played an important role in liberating most of South Central Somalia with the Support of AMISOM.
He said; “As we commemorate the 55th anniversary of the Somali National Army today,I pay tribute to the efforts of the Somali men and women who are sacrificing their lives to make a contribution towards peace and stability in their country by defeating the terror group Al-Shabaab.”
While noting that the SNA is still facing some challenges, the AU Special Representative re-affirmed AMISOM’s commitment to continuing the ongoing training and mentoring as part of the African Union’s contribution to the rebuilding of a strong and professional Defence Force.
The Somali National Army was founded in 1960 under the command of late General Daud Abdulle Hirsi, a renowned Somali hero. |