Mogadishu  - Eleven officers who served on the Rule of Law and Security Institutions Group (ROLSIG) of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) and the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), were today decorated with medals for their distinguished service in Somalia.

The officers from nine countries served in different capacities for a period not less than 90-days in Somalia.

“I thank you for your immense contribution to UNSOS, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the Somali National Army (SNA)”, Head of UNSOS Hubert Price told the officers during a special service awards ceremony held in their honour, at the UN camp in Mogadishu on Tuesday.

Price said five of the officers who worked under UNSOS had made significant contributions to the Mission through support to AMISOM and the SNA.

His sentiments were echoed by Raisedon Zenenga, the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Somalia.

“The officers here today have displayed dedication to the tasks assigned to them and commitment to ensure that the Mission’s mandate is implemented”

Zenenga noted. He commended the officers, six of whom worked with UNSOM, for their contribution to Somalia’s peace efforts.

“You have served with honour and we trust that you will return home with a sense of pride for your service to Somalia and its people, as well as the United Nations,” he remarked.

The officers had been deployed in various regional capitals, including Baidoa in the South West state, Garowe in Puntland, Belet Weyne in Hiiraan region, Kismaayo in Jubbaland state and Mogadishu.

Staffan Tillander, the Director of ROLSIG highlighted the significant contributions by the officers to building sustainable security institutions, as part of the long-term project known as the Comprehensive Approach to Security in Somalia.

“I take this opportunity to thank each one personally for their valuable contributions to reforming the defense and maritime security institutions”, he said.

Each of the 11 officers was decorated with a United Nations Medal, which was awarded by Mr. Zenenga and Mr. Price, and a certificate of honour for their dedicated service to the United Nations.

The ceremony is part of a UN tradition to honour personnel who have served a mission for at least 90 days.