Mogadishu – On a recent visit to the UN Aviation Section in Mogadishu, the Head of UNSOS, Assistant Secretary-General Dr Aisa Kirabo Kacyira and Somali government officials, led by the National Security Advisor Hussein Sheikh Ali, reviewed progress of the ongoing aviation services capacity building for Somali security forces and Somalia Aviation Workforce.

The Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) commended the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) for its support in developing the country’s aviation sector.

Other top officials present included the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Madey Nurey Sheikh and the Director General of the SCAA, Ahmed Moallin Hassan.

The Aviation Capacity Building Program, developed and led by Chief Aviation Services Ernest Manzano, has introduced a new training model in UNSOS. The program provides training, coaching, on-the-job training (OJT), and mentoring for Somali Security Forces (SSF) and aviation personnel in Somalia. It specifically focuses on aviation security, airport firefighting, tactical operations for the military, air traffic control, medical evacuation, meteorology, and drone operations. This training aims to prepare for the transfer of security responsibilities from African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to the Somali Security Forces (SSF) and the Somali Civil Aviation Authorities (SCAA). Ultimately, the goal is to empower the Somali forces, with a focus on women in aviation and the country's future.

"The capacity building we are doing goes beyond training. It is a total change of mindset. We want to capacitate Somali forces and civilians to take over all aviation responsibilities," said Manzano.

Maynard Alvin Thomas, the Capacity Building Specialist at the UNSOS Integrated Mission Training Centre (IMTC), stated that they have conducted a series of training courses to support Somalia’s transition process. These courses cover signals, interoperability, transportation, medical and engineering, combat leadership and radio communication.

“We continue to deliver on a lot of courses based on the preliminary needs assessment. This year we have a minimum target of training 600 personnel,” said Maynard Alvin Thomas.

In his remarks, the National Security Advisor, Hussein Sheikh Ali, emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to increasing women’s participation in both, the aviation sector and national security forces.

“My office (of the National Security Advisor) is currently drafting a women, peace and security strategy. We are still in consultations for the strategy, and this is the ideal moment to recognize the vital contribution women can make towards national development,” said the National Security Advisor.

SCAA Director General, Ahmed Moallin Hassan, commended UNSOS for supporting Somalia’s civil aviation sector.

“The transition is well underway, and at the Somali Civil Aviation Authority we are ready. As opportunities arise, we will offer positions to young people who have undergone on-the-job training conducted by UNSOS,” said Mr Ahmed.

ASG Kacyira, hailed the Federal Government of Somalia led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for the partnership with UNSOS and its commitment to improving the welfare of the Somali people.

“We are here to serve with the purpose of empowering Somalia to move on with dignity and we will go all the way to support you on that,” emphasised Dr Kacyira.