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AU evaluations logistical challenges hindering troop operations in Somalia

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MOGADISHU, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) — The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) ended a two-day meeting in Mogadishu on Wednesday to address logistics challenges hindering troop operations in the Horn of Africa nation.

Maurice Gateretse, deputy AMISOM force commander in charge of Support and Logistics said the review meeting was aimed at identifying challenges that hinder adequate and timely supply of fuel, one of the critical products required for the proper functioning of Forward Operating Bases.

Gateretse said the meeting was organized to address gaps in the fuel supply chain which were identified during the sector commanders conference held in Mogadishu in 2018.

“This fuel conference was basically planned to address gaps that were discovered during the sector commanders conference held in November 2018,” Gateretse said according to a statement issued by the AU mission.

According to AMISOM, some of the topics discussed at the conference were fleet management, vehicle maintenance, electronic fuel management systems, fuel consumption and concept and investigations among others.

Andrew Alele, AMISOM engineer said the conference was critical in the implementation of Concept of Operations (CONOPS), which is the framework for AMISOM’s exit strategy, given the importance of fuel in military operations.

“The CONOPS 2019-2021 has just been operationalized by the sector commanders last week, so we are in the process of looking at how we can be more efficient in terms of our mission support in supporting our field commanders and sector commanders,” he added.

“The objective of this meeting is to look into the challenges our troops are facing in AMISOM’s area of operation, regarding fuel, which is a very important product in mission support,” said Alele.

The CONOPS, which aims to provide a structure for AMISOM operations from 2018 to 2021, marks the final phase of the AU Mission’s transition and its eventual exit from Somalia.