Kampala, Uganda – During the commemoration of the International Day for Mine Awareness, the Acting Head of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), Sivuyile Bam, reaffirmed the African Union’s commitment to supporting Somalia in the fight against the deadly landmines used by militant groups fighting the government.

In his remarks, Bam emphasized the urgent need for the protection of civilians and the pursuit of lasting peace and development in Somalia and globally. He stressed the importance of continuing international cooperation in combating the landmine threat.

Bam also praised the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) for its ongoing support to Somalia in the fight against landmines, highlighting the technical expertise, capacity-building efforts, and specialized equipment provided to the Somali Security Forces and AUSSOM.

The event was attended by senior officials from the UN and the Federal Government of Somalia, including the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, Raisedon Zenenga, the Head of UNSOS, Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, the Director General of the Ministry of Internal Security of Somalia, Yusuf Ali, and the Head of the UN Mine Action Programme, Fran O’Grady.