US Secretary of Navy has recently visited Burundian AMISOM soldiers at Mudubugu camp

General Ray Mabus was glad to witness the steps already achieved in the training offered by American trainers to Burundian army. This is done for strengthening partnership between America and Burundi to fight international terrorism in Somalia.–Diane Uwimana

The three visitors (Ray Mabus, Dawn Liberi and Silas Ntigurirwa) were given an opportunity to shoot targets with a Kalashnikov.©Iwacu

“Marines’ skills are very important for Burundi and America,” declares General Ray Mabus, US Secretary of Navy, in Charge of US Marines and Navy, this last week at Mudubugu Camp. During his visit, General Ray Mabus, Secretary of U.S. Navy was accompanied by U.S. Ambassador in Burundi, Dawn Liberi and Lieutenant General Silas Ntigurirwa, Permanent Secretary in Burundi Ministry of Defence and Former Combatants and newly appointed Chief Commander of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) from January 2014. At Mudubugu camp, US military trainers were all around Mudubugu corners showing different marines’ demonstrations to the visitors. “Surely, Burundians will play a big role in consolidating and maintaining peace and security in Somalia”, comments Dawn Liberi, during the visit in the camp. In different speeches, all praised the good partnership between Burundi and USA, especially in fighting against terrorism of El- Shebaab in Somalia. US marines as well as French and English soldiers are at Mudubugu in Bubanza province to train the 26th battalion of sappers who will be deployed in Somalia under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). After the elite units’ demonstrations in camouflage and precision firing at a long distance, the three visitors (Ray Mabus, Dawn Liberi and Silas Ntigurirwa) were given an opportunity to shoot targets with a Kalashnikov. It is worth reminding that Burundi has deployed 5,432 combatants in Somalia.

USA will continue to support Burundi army’s training

After ten weeks at Mudubugu Training Center, General Ray Mabus has thanked US army trainers who have sacrificed their lives to work for the whole world. “The work done by marines is very significant and we have no doubt that together we will combat terrorism in the world. Furthermore, Burundian army will continue to receive this kind of training”, says Ray Mabus. The same view is shared by US Ambassador in Burundi. “Everybody knows the great work done by Burundian soldiers in Somalia. We can’t stop affording them training for bridging gaps which should help us to fly for success,” adds Dawn Liberi. However, even if there is a great work done by AMISOM soldiers, some improvement needs to be made. Lieutenant General Silas Ntigurirwa mentions that the need of some equipment for working with tactics, technique and professionalism are very important for their success. It is worth indicating that Burundi, Kenya, Uganda, Sierra Leone and Djibouti are African countries that take part in the African Union Mission in Somalia.