KDF Army Commander Leonard Ngondi Significant Visit in Kismayo, Somalia

*From right, Sector Kismayo Commander, Lt. Colonel John Kipya ( Center), Sector two Commander, Brigadier Daniel Bartonjo and KDF Army Commander Lt. General Leonard Ngondi.*

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

On August 28^th 2015, Kenya Defence Forces Army Commander Lieutenant General Leonard Ngondi made an impromptu visit to KDF troops serving under AMISOM banner in Kismayu sector.

Upon arrival, the Army Commander was received by commander of AMISOM sector 2 Brigadier D.C. Bartonjo together with commanding officer II MIB Lieutenant Colonel Kipya and other military officers serving in AMISOM.

The Army Commander had opportunity to congratulate the soldiers for a job well done in fighting the Al Shabaab militants.

*KDF Army Commander, Lt. General Leonard Ngondi and other commander walk through Kismayo international airport during his arrival.*

ASSESSMENT: SIGNIFICANCE

The KDF army Commander’s visit to KDF troops serving under AMISOM means a lot to the soldiers in the war-torn horn of Africa nation. The visit is a morale booster to the military officers serving under very hostile environment.

The Army Commander took time to commend the troops serving in Somalia citing it is a huge sacrifice they are making to ensure that terrorism is defeated and peace is restored in Somalia.

Particularly, the Army Chief lauded the KDF forces who recently played a brave role in liberation of Bardheere and Taraka in July this year and as well as Kuday Island in March 2015.

Apart from inspecting the troops in Kismayo, the Army Commander also took time to have words of counsel to the Kenyan troops. “I urge you to exercise the highest level of professionalism and service discipline as you exercise your mandate in Somalia, under the Umbrella of AMISOM.

I applaud the good work that you have done so far, despite the challenges and risks that you face. There is much more that needs to be done before Somalia becomes a fully functioning state. I am confident that you shall successfully achieve what is expected of you”.

*The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Army Commander, Lt. General Leonard Ngondi meets with Interim Jubbaland President, Ahmed Madobe during his visit to Kismayo.*

SUMMARY

AMISOM comprises of troops from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Burundi, Sierra Leone and Djibouti. Kenyan troops has played a pivotal role in weakening the Al Qaeda branch in Somalia.

Kenyan troops have taken various Training and Mentorship programs for Somalia National Army. The Army Commander noted that these programs had progressed on well in KDF designated sector despite challenges but implored on the soldiers to press on citing it is the only way Somalia will be liberated from the militant’s oppressive control.

The Kenya Defence Forces Army Commander Lieutenant General Leonard Ngondi visited Kismayo old and new airport and was briefed on work being done by AMISOM troops in Sector two and Kismayo.

The Army Commander also met with the Interim Jubba Administration President, Ahmed Mohamed Islam-Madobe, and had discussions centered on the security of the region.