African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) military officers train on civil-military relations
Fourteen Burundi National Defense Forces (BNDF) officers from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) have completed four days of intensive training on Civil-Military Cooperation in Peace Support Operations (CIMIC).
The training was jointly organized by the Air Traffic Management Information Systems Force Headquarters CIMIC Team and the UK Mission Support Team (UK-MST) to improve officers’ understanding of CIMIC principles and practices in conflict situations.
“I am convinced that at the end of the four-day training, the objectives have been achieved and the participants have benefited greatly from sharing their experiences with the various facilitators. I sincerely hope that the lessons learned will enhance your appreciation for CIMIC broad understanding,” Major General Marius Ngendabanka, deputy commander of the ATMIS force for operations and plans, said during the closing ceremony in Mogadishu on Thursday.
“I would like to implore you to make the best use of the knowledge you have gained and ensure that it is applied in the performance of your day-to-day CIMIC duties as part of your mission.”
Major General Ngenda Banka highlighted the critical role of the Civil-Military Coordination Mission in facilitating coordination, operations and information sharing between military and civilian stakeholders, including local populations, authorities, non-governmental organizations and United Nations agencies.
Colonel Ben Ramsay, commander of the British military’s Operation Downham, praised participants for their commitment to fostering positive community relations and strengthening civil-military cooperation.
“What we are trying to do is make sure we protect the local population and win their support. CIMIC is a key tool to reassure people that soldiers are there to protect them, not attack them,” Colonel Ramsey said.
The training consists of theory and practice, including planning civil-military cooperation activities, assessing the civil environment, conducting negotiations, coordinating humanitarian assistance, gender perspectives, and establishing effective civil-military interactions with non-military actors.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Lieutenant Colonel Gregoire Ndikumazambo, First Staff Officer, ATMIS CIMIC, emphasized that the course was designed to provide new CIMIC staff officers with the knowledge and skills to conduct frontline CIMIC operations in partnership with the Somali National Security Agency and ATMIS Region Five. Army (SNA) and external agencies.
“The training equipped me with the necessary skills, knowledge and abilities to communicate effectively with civilians to win their support and strengthen community ties,” said participant Capt. Niyondavyi Ange Salvatrice, a CIMIC officer from Jowhar.
Major Ntihinyuzwa Charles, a CIMIC officer stationed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mahadi in Central Shabelle State, said he learned about the role played by the Joint Operations Center (JOC) in enhancing coordination among partners to achieve the mission’s mandate.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
