The United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) facilitated a two-week long training for soldiers from the Africa Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) on operating Micro Unmanned Aerial Systems (MUAS), aimed at enhancing the operational effectiveness of the troops. The training, called Micro Unmanned Aerial Systems (MUAS) Course, was attended by officers from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Burundi.

Commenting on the importance of the course, the AMISOM Force Commander   Lt. Gen. Diomede Ndegeya underscored the fact that the unmanned drones will help in targeted military operations against Al-Shabaab. “This gadget (Unmanned Aircraft) is small, easy to use, fast to deploy and cost-effective in as far as timely collection of information is concerned. To enhance AMISOM’s tactical capabilities, we will deploy this technology to our operating bases,” said Lt. Gen. Ndegeya.

The Force Commander of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), Lt. Gen. Diomede Ndegeya, attend a practical demonstration for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) during a workshop on Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, for AMISOM military officers held in Mogadishu, Somalia on 29 October 2021. 

The Geospatial Information Officer for UNSOS, Aka Alphonse Attron, said the course, organised in partnership with AMISOM Force Headquarters (FHQ) and the Field Technology Services (FTS) section of UNSOS, was designed to increase the tactical capability of the peacekeepers. He added that, “It will help them plan the operational activities that the soldiers need to undertake at the Foward Operating Bases (FOBs)

To the graduating officers, the Force Commander said, “I am informed that throughout the course, you have been hardworking in the sweltering heat during outdoor practical exercises, engaging amongst yourselves during indoor classes, sharing operational experiences and were a joy to teach.”

Senior Military officers serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) attend a practical demonstration for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) during a workshop on Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, for AMISOM military officers held in Mogadishu, Somalia on 29 October 2021

The Unmanned Micro Aerial Systems equipped with Infrared Imaging System will also be used in convoys, foot patrol, overwatch, search and rescue operations, as well as battlefield assessment.

Staff Sergeant, SSGT Michael Lokwawi Ekal, a participant from KDF, said drones are critical to surveillance missions in military operations. “With our troops now equipped with the drone, they are in a position to limit the threats they face within their defensive positions at various FOBs,” said SSGT Ekal.

The Force Commander of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), Lt. Gen. Diomede Ndegeya, awards a certificate to a senior military officer during the closing ceremony of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance workshop for AMISOM military officers held in Mogadishu, Somalia on 29 October 2021.