BAIDOA – The Ethiopian contingent of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), celebrated the Ethiopian New Year in pomp.

Speaking at celebrations held to usher in the year 2009 in the Ethiopian calender, sector three commander General Gebremeskel Gebrezigabre commended his contingent for their diligence during the last year. He also sent best wishes to Somalis as they celebrate Eid Al-Adha.

“I would like to wish all Ethiopians a happy new year and all my Somali brothers and sisters a happy Eid Al- Adha. These are big holidays, and I thank God for getting us through to a new year in peace and in good health, ” Gen Gebrezigabre said .

He assured residents of Baidoa that AMISOM troops together with the Somali National Army (SNA),would be on hand to secure Eid prayer venues tomorrow.

“During these festivities, we will not only be celebrating but also securing venues so people can enjoy themselves. AMISOM , SNA , regional forces and the community will work together to strengthen the security of the area during Eid-Al-Adha celebrations,” he stressed.

The sector commander also rallied the public to support AMISOM and Somali security agencies in their quest to eliminate Al Shabaab.

In his remarks, ISWA President H.E Shariff Hassan Sheikh Adan extended best wishes to AMISOM-ENDF troops. He expressed gratitude to the troops for helping secure the country.

He said, “You could have celebrated this special day with your loved ones but you chose to be here and for that, we are grateful. With your support, Somalia continues to make steady progress towards stabilization.