AU troops in Somalia undergo training in psychological and influence operations
Brig Gen Jackson Kayanja, urged officers and troops across all AUSSOM sectors to actively participate and contribute to developing a shared understanding and capability in psychological and integrated influence operations.
The Sector One Commander, Brig Gen Jackson Kayanja opening the course. (Courtesy photos)
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Troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) are undergoing a two-week training course at Force Headquarters in Mogadishu to strengthen their knowledge and capabilities in psychological and integrated influence operations.
The training is part of a knowledge-exchange initiative aimed at enhancing the capacity of AUSSOM personnel and partners to sustain influence operations, while mentoring and coaching partners to counter Al-Shabaab propaganda and hostile narratives in Somalia.
The primary troop-contributing countries to AUSSOM are: Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, and Egypt.
Brig Gen Kayanja, according to a release from the Ministry of Defence and Veteran's Affairs, noted that influence operations should go beyond actions on the ground to address information, perceptions and narratives, as well as the ability to influence human behaviour in support of mission objectives.
Sector one commander in group photo with UNSO and participants at force headquarter during course opening.
The Chief Military Officer at Force Headquarters, Lt Col Patrick Amaru, said the training is intended to strengthen teamwork and working relationships among AUSSOM personnel from different sectors and specialities.
The course brings together personnel from the military and police components of AUSSOM, drawn from various sectors and professional backgrounds.
The training is facilitated by instructors from the United States Joint Special Operations Task Force (JSOTF) as part of efforts to promote knowledge exchange and strengthen AUSSOM’s capacity in psychological and integrated influence operations.