Baidoa – Acting Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), Ms. Qurat-ul-Ain Sadozai, recently visited Baidoa, South West State, to assess operational conditions and discuss UNSOS support to AUSSOM troops in the region.

Ms. Sadozai was accompanied by the Officer-in-Charge of Service Delivery, Mr. Babacar Diop; Senior Programme Officer and Chief of the Transition Planning Cell, Mr. Patrick Duah; and Chief of the Regional Coordination Unit, Mr. Mesfin Akalu.

AUSSOM personnel, led by Sector 3 Commander Brigadier General Teklu Hurisa Janka, received the delegation during the visit.

Ms. Sadozai commended the AUSSOM Ethiopian contingent and the Ghana Formed Police Unit for their efforts in protecting civilians and supporting the Mission’s objectives. She also reaffirmed UNSOS’s commitment to sustaining support for AUSSOM frontline operations despite recent budget reductions.

“At the front line, you have a lot of concerns, requirements, priorities. We thank you for your support,” said Ms. Sadozai.

Brig. Gen. Teklu commended the strong collaboration between AUSSOM troops, United Nations personnel, and the Ghana Formed police unit.

“We have established a very strong bond which is unbreakable, and we are so happy that we are operating as a family in the sector,” said Brig. Gen. Teklu.

He added, “I can say that logistics and UNSOS support in the sector is running smoothly, if not spotless. I would like to use this opportunity to extend my heartfelt thanks to UN staff in the sector for their unwavering and tireless support that they have been providing.”

Ms Sadozai also addressed a town hall for UNSOS, United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), and UN agencies, outlining mission priorities and measures to improve efficiency with reduced resources.

“Know that every effort you’re making is counting and has been all in the direction of ensuring UNSOS delivers at the highest level despite the challenges.” Ms. Sadozai told personnel.

The visit included a tour of key facilities, including the central warehouse, solar plant, planned office spaces, water systems and warehouse, led by UN Officer-in-Charge and Regional Administrative Officer Ibrahim Sidibe, and Engineering representative Joel Bai.