Somalia, Mogadishu – The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces operating under the United Nations Guard Unit Eleven(UPDF-UNGU XI) Commander, Lt Col Peter Ruyogoza Barigye called for a more efficient intelligence operations and Civil Military Activities in a bid to enhance peacekeeping operations in Somalia, the UNGU XI Commander emphasized the critical importance of robust intelligence gathering and civil-military activities.
The commander’s call to action underscores the need for efficient information-sharing modalities among peacekeeping actors to maximize operational upshot and effectively address security challenges. The first Intelligence and Civil Military Staffs meeting aimed at forging closer working relationship between various intelligence and CIMIC actors within the peace keeping mission area in Somalia.
The UNGU XI Commander stressed that intelligence must be collected and utilized in a manner that ensures operational efficiency while maintaining the legality and neutrality necessary for effective peacekeeping. This approach is crucial in the context of Somalia, where the peacekeeping mission faces complex security challenges, including threats from terrorist groups like Al-Shabaab. Intelligence sharing is fundamental to providing commanders and UN decision-makers with multidimensional situational awareness.
By coordinating analysis of information across different mission components and actors, peacekeeping forces can better anticipate and respond to emerging threats. The commander’s emphasis on professional and efficient intelligence-sharing modalities highlights the need for structured processes that ensure timely dissemination of critical information to all stakeholders.
He stressed that Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) plays a pivotal role in peacekeeping operations, fostering collaboration between military forces and civilian stakeholders. The UNGU XI Commander’s advocacy for stronger CIMIC activities underscores the importance of building trust and cooperation with the various UN and AUSSOM personnel.
He note that “Effective CIMIC operations can facilitate the flow of information, support community engagement, and enhance the overall effectiveness of peacekeeping missions. Said Barigye The UNGU XI Deputy Commander, Major Jacob Gowan Kaburika reminded the Intelligence and CIMIC staffs about the significance of their duties to the success of the fulfillment of the UN mission and Mandate “your work is vital in helping us understand the operational environment and build trust with other partners in peace keeping.
“Less work together to identify areas of common interests and build partnerships that will support our mission as our ultimate goal is to support stability and security in the region and to protect UN staff, facilities and installations in Mogadishu”
The Military Information Officer, Capt. Joseph Mada, highlighted that the primary emphasis of intelligence and information sharing is to facilitate the identification, deterrence, and response to emerging unpredictable threats and risks. This proactive approach enables peacekeeping forces to stay ahead of threats and effectively support ongoing efforts to address security challenges in Somalia.
Capt. Mustafa Ssegonja, the Civil-Military Relations Officer, emphasized the need for Military Information Officers and CIMIC personnel to work closely together. He spotlighted that respecting the civilian population, Somali culture and tradition while on duty is paramount in ensuring the success of UNGU peacekeeping operations.
Adding that “this approach not only fosters cooperation but also helps in building a secure environment that supports the mission’s objectives and the mandate”. The meeting discussed the evolving threat landscape in Somalia, particularly the activities of Al-Shabaab.
Despite facing pressure from operations conducted by the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and the Somali Federal Government (SFG), Al-Shabaab remains a significant threat to peace and stability in the region.
The commander’s call for enhanced intelligence sharing and coordinated efforts among peacekeeping actors is critical in addressing these threats and ensuring the safety of both the mission and the local population. The UNGU XI commander’s advocacy for stronger intelligence and civil-military activities in Somalia reflects a strategic approach to enhancing peacekeeping operations.
By prioritizing efficient intelligence sharing, fostering civil-military cooperation, and addressing emerging threats, peacekeeping forces can improve their operational effectiveness and contribute to a more stable and secure environment in Somalia. The commitment to professionalism, coordination, and stakeholder engagement will be crucial in achieving these objectives and ensuring the success of the peacekeeping mission.
