MOGADISHU, July 2 (Xinhua) -- The African Union and United Nations envoys in Somalia have lauded Burundi peacekeepers for their sterling stabilization efforts in Somalia.
Mohammed El-Amine Souef, the special representative of the Chairperson of the AU Commission for Somalia and head of the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), and Anita Kiki Gbeho, the UN Secretary-General's Deputy Special Representative for United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia, cited Burundi's key contributions to peace and stability in Africa, especially in Somalia and Central Africa.
Souef said Burundi has contributed immensely to the ideal universal peace mainly through political solutions anchored on mediation and constant engagement in favor of peace and security, according to a statement issued by the ATMIS Sunday in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.
Burundian troops serving with the ATMIS on Saturday joined their country to celebrate 61 years of independence from colonial rule.
"Burundi has never resisted investing in peace operations which for many people represent the unique hope for finding lasting peace like in Somalia and Central Africa," he said Saturday evening in Mogadishu during the celebrations.
Gbeho also lauded Burundian peacekeepers for their courage and sacrifice and pledged the UN's commitment to continue supporting the AU Mission. "With more than 3,000 Burundian troops committed to the largest AU peace support operation, you are making a difference daily to the security of the Somali people," she noted.
Sam Okiding, ATMIS force commander, said the Burundian troops have played a key role in pacifying Somalia and protecting the civilian population in their area of responsibility. "The Burundi contingent in Somalia has been at the forefront in fostering peace and stability in their Areas of Responsibility, and we commend you for your selfless efforts," Okiding said.
ATMIS Deputy Force Commander Marius Ngendabanka in charge of Operations and Plans, who hails from Burundi, outlined the contributions of Burundian troops since their deployment to Somalia in 2007 and reiterated their commitment to the peacebuilding process.
Ngendabanka said the Burundi contingent, currently deployed in Sector Five in Middle Shabelle, has demonstrated its support for Africa's peace and freedom initiatives hence serving as an example to other African countries.
Burundi is one of the ATMIS Troop Contributing Countries alongside Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda. ■