AU gets new military training facility

The African Union (AU) mission in Somalia has opened a new military training facility for the Somalia National Army.

The facility commissioned on Wednesday, by Ambassador Francisco Madeira, the   special representative of the chairperson of the African Union commission for Somalia, will be used to train soldiers on urban warfare, at the Jazeera training center in Mogadishu.

According to the AMISOM acting force commander, Maj. Gen. Mohammedesha Zeyinu, the fighting in built-up areas, is peculiar and requires specialized training.

"Such kind of training facility is very important to train and build our soldiers physically, mentally and psychologically in order to enable them overcome different manmade and natural obstacles that they may find in built up areas," Maj. Gen Zeyinu said.

The facility whose construction started in December last year, consists of a collection of buildings that mimic an urban or built up fighting area.

The opening of the facility was witnessed by officials from AMISOM, the European Union training mission in Somalia and high ranking officers from Somalia National Army.

Speaking after touring the facility, Ambassador, Madeira said he was impressed by the ongoing progress of the construction works, aimed at expanding the center.

He noted that the training of the Somalia military personnel is a key part of AMISOM's mandate and is essential in helping achieve the exit strategy for African Union troops.

The Ambassador also hailed the European Union and the United Nations for supporting military training programs in Jazeera.

"Without trained Somalia soldiers and officers, we will have a lot of difficulties to leave you without an Army that will be capable of securing the Government, the administration, the population and the infrastructure. So that puts a dilemma on us," he said.

He added that; "you need to train well and train quickly and be motivated to continue the work that we have been able to do".

Brig. Gen Abdullahi Ali Anod, the Somali National Army commander of Jazeera training center hailed the European Union training mission and AMISOM for setting up the training facility.

The Al-shabaab militants have been going for soft targets in urban areas and both AMISIOM and the federal government of Somalia have vowed to work together to defeat the asymmetrical warfare adopted by Alshabaab