The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has a new Force Commander.
Lt. Gen. Tigabu Yilma
Wondimhunegn from Ethiopia, has taken office from Lt. Gen. Jim Beesigye
Owoyesigire, who has served in that capacity since January 2018.
The handover of instruments of power between the outgoing and
incoming Force Commanders was supervised by Francisco Caetano Madeira, the Special
Representative of the African Union Commission Chairperson for Somalia (SRCC),
who is also the Head of AMISOM.
Ambassador Madeira told Gen. Tigabu during the handover ceremony that there a lot of work to be done until Somalia stabilizes. The AMISOM head lauded the outgoing General, describing him as an extraordinary officer.
Gen. Tigabu has 34-years’ experience in the military, has served the Ethiopia National Defense Forces (ENDF) in several capacities, including as Division, Brigade, Battalion, and Company Commander.
The incoming Force Commander reiterated that
though the mission of battling the Islamists extremists’ groups in Somalia
challenge, he made assurance that AMISOM troops are up to the task.
PROFILE
Before this appointment, he served as a member of the Defense
Council and Head of Defense Logistics Main Department.
He was instrumental in planning, delivery, generation and integration of the Defense Capability, among objectives.
Gen. Tigabu holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration, a Degree in Leadership and Military Science and a Diploma in Law.