Mogadishu – Twenty-one aviation personnel have completed a specialized Aviation Rescue and Firefighting course, empowering them to respond effectively to Civil-Military aviation emergencies at airports and Main Operating Bases.

In the eight transformative weeks, the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) Aviation Unit equipped participants with essential skills to manage air incidents and protect lives.

Participants drawn from the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), and the United Nations Guard Unit (UNGU) represented various airports across Somalia. In line with the UN Gender Parity Initiative, it is worth noting that three of the 21 graduates were women, two of whom graduated with honours.

“This is the greatest legacy we will leave behind when we complete our mission. We aim to build capacity and impart unique skill sets to Somali nationals, enabling them to take on these critical responsibilities and meet international standards,” said Ernest Manzano, Chief of Aviation Services at UNSOS.

“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Federal Government of Somalia for supporting this capacity-building program throughout the country.” This training marks a pivotal moment in strengthening Somalia’s ability to secure its air operations and aviation infrastructure.

Burhan Bade, Director of Aviation Safety at SCAA, praised UNSOS for its unwavering commitment to cultivating a skilled workforce devoted to the safety and security of Somalia’s aviation industry.

“I am thankful to UNSOS and our partners for their dedication in enhancing the resilience of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority,” said Bade, representing the SCAA Director General. The comprehensive program encompassed vital aspects of aviation emergency response, including emergency medical care, aircraft rescue and firefighting, tactical ventilation, fire behavior, and firefighting safety and health.

“I will harness the skills I have gained to contribute to the aviation sector in Somalia by ensuring the safety and security of local and international passengers in emergencies. This training is a significant step in my professional journey,” stated Muthir Abdirahman Yussuf, a 23-year-old graduate from Mogadishu Aviation College.

“This is just the beginning of our journey. The fire of service burns within us, unquenchable. We leave here not only as graduates but as guardians, ready to confront danger while others retreat, to bring hope where fear exists, and to save lives at any cost,” declared Lance Corporal Nanjuna Ivan from the UN Guard Unit.

Richard Kipruto, Project Manager at Somalia Aviation Service Consultancy Firm, representing Mogadishu Aviation College, highlighted the training's significance for the future of Somalia’s aviation industry.

 “Our trainees depart not only with certificates but with the profound responsibility to apply their knowledge, uphold the highest standards, and serve as ambassadors of safety, innovation, and professionalism,” Kipruto remarked.

Senior officials from UNSOS, UNGU, AUSSOM, and Mogadishu Aviation College gathered for the ceremony, exemplifying a spirit of collaboration in capacity-building initiatives.