MOGADISHU — Somalia’s defence minister, Ahmed Moallin Fiqi, visited Ugandan peacekeepers wounded during operations under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, as well as civilians injured in attacks blamed on Al-Shabaab, officials said.
The wounded troops had taken part in operations to recapture the areas of Mubaarak and Daarusalaam, according to the defence ministry. During the visit, Fiqi received briefings from medical staff overseeing treatment and assessed the health condition of both soldiers and civilians.
The minister praised the role of AUSSOM forces, particularly Ugandan contingents, in supporting the Somali National Army and helping stabilise newly recovered areas. He thanked the troops for what he described as their courage and sacrifice.
Fiqi also visited civilians injured in violence attributed to Al-Shabaab, expressing hope they would receive full support to recover from their injuries and losses.
The visit was accompanied by El-Hadji Ibrahima Diene, the special representative of the African Union chairperson for Somalia and head of AUSSOM, and Jackson Kayanja, commander of AUSSOM’s first sector.
The defence minister reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting wounded troops and affected civilians, and said cooperation with international partners would be strengthened to enhance security and stability in Somalia.
