Beledweyne - Eleven personnel from the Beledweyne Firefighter Community Service and the Somalia Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) have successfully completed a four-week Aviation Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) course delivered by the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) Aviation Unit at Beledweyne Airport. This second cohort follows the first group of 11 graduates on 17 December 2025, bringing the total number of local firefighters trained under this UNSOS capacity-building initiative to 22.

Aligned with international aviation safety standards, the graduates are now equipped to respond to airport emergencies, strengthen fire prevention, apply life-saving techniques, and enhance safety at airports and in public spaces. The training combined theory with practical exercises, boosting the skills, confidence, and readiness of local firefighters and aviation security personnel to protect lives and critical infrastructure across the Hiiraan region.

The ARFF course, which ran from 21 January to 25 February, provided essential knowledge and hands-on experience to prevent, respond to, and manage aviation-related fire emergencies, contributing to safer airport operations and stronger community-based preparedness. The training also emphasised teamwork, adherence to safety protocols, and rapid response to aircraft incidents.

At the closing ceremony, Ali Sartaj, UNSOS Regional Administration Officer in Beledweyne, thanked the partnership between the local community and UNSOS and reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to building the capacity of local firefighters and supporting community-based emergency services.

“It was a unique partnership between the local community and UNSOS and I am sure the partnership will continue. After conclusion of this training, I am sure the volunteers who have been trained will be supporting UNSOS operations, aviation operations, as well as commercial and, at the same time, they will be able to support any unpleasant fire incident in the town. This training will be very vital for them”, said Sarjat.

Mohamed Rashid, Officer in Charge, UNTMIS Beledweyne, noted that the firefighters had acquired critical skills that would play a key role in preventing fires and protecting lives within the community.

“As a trained firefighter, you are a vital asset for the community, a vital asset for the town, a vital asset for the offices which are operating in this airport and especially all airport facility. I would like once again to congratulate you for completing this successful training and I wish you will be able, in case of any unfortunate event when there is any fire outbreak anywhere in your area, you will be able to contribute in controlling the fire and the damage which might happen because of this”, said Rashid.

Local officials also commended the initiative and reiterated their commitment to strengthening community safety.

“First, I would like to thank all those who organized this important training,” said Abdirahman Mumin, Hiiraan Region’s Deputy Chairperson in charge of Public Works and Housing. “Let us all join efforts aimed at strengthening the knowledge, skills, and welfare of the firefighter community service. As the administration here, we are ready to play our part in the success of this program”.

Kijjali Robert, UNSOS Fire Marshal, highlighted the operational impact of the training.

“Today, we have concluded the last batch of the 22 participants on the full aviation training. They have been empowered to carry out the aviation firefighting coverage at Beledweyne Airport after undergoing the full program of aviation training which is normally carried out in Mogadishu. It has been successful; knowledge has been imparted. [We] appreciate UNSOS plus the community”, said Robert.

BUILDING SKILLS TO SAVE LIVES

For many participants, the course marked their first exposure to specialised aviation firefighting techniques.

“Really, this specialized training will have an impact on our lives”, said Abdikadir Gure, a participant from the firefighter community service. “We learned skills we did not have before, like understanding the effects of fire on our lives and property. We were fully equipped and imparted with skills that will aid our performance.”

The graduation of this second batch underscores UNSOS’ ongoing commitment to capacity-building initiatives that enhance local emergency response, strengthen aviation safety, and save lives across Somalia.