A total of 32 Mogadishu aviation firefighters have completed training aimed at boosting their skills and ability to respond to emergency situations in Mogadishu and Somalia in general.

The refresher training conducted over a period of one month was facilitated jointly by the United Nations Support Office for AMISOM (UNSOA), the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in collaboration with Fire and Emergency Department of the Mogadishu Municipality.

The training covered different aspects including firefighting and emergency operations, search and rescue operations, the use breathing apparatus and conducting rescue operations in storied buildings, among others.

Speaking during a pass out ceremony for the trainees, Abdulahi Mohamed, Director Mogadishu Fire Department said the training has been essential in ensuring proper response to any emergency at the airport in Mogadishu and other parts of the country. “They were doing some drills and demonstration of what they learnt and it was very good. Am sure they can help the people and airports in Somalia. Am very proud and happy to see my team doing a great job today,” he said.

The AMISOM Mogadishu Airport Commander Lt.Col Patrick Ntende challenged the trainees to put the skills acquired into practice.

“The training was successful and it was well conducted. The students learnt alot about of it, and I think it has been beneficial to them. This is the beginning of building up the capacity of fire service in Mogadishu, so it is a very big achievement,” he noted.

Dorcus Omolo, UNSOA Aviation Manager Mogadishu said the training is part of an ongoing process, aimed at boosting the capacity of different Somali government institutions.

“Today has just proved to us that they are really competent people and they took the training seriously. The mandate continues and requires that we should do local capacity building. My team and myself will continuously help the Somali people in terms of training and providing skills for them where necessary, especially in aviation,” said Omolo.