In close partnership with ACCORD, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) have organised a Training of Trainers (ToT) Course in International Humanitarian Law (IHL) for Somali National Army (SNA) Officers held in Kampala, Uganda, from 19-28 August 2014. The training was designed to provide understanding and compliance with IHL and International Human Rights Law (IHRL) within the Somali National Army.
The ToT training followed two previous basic courses on IHL conducted in Djibouti of 2012 and 2013 organised by AMISOM and ACCORD. The trained SNA officers hold direct responsibility in training of the SNA and commanders whose duties include military planning and execution of the joint operations with AMISOM. In addition, the SNA Officers support the logistical needs for the Ministry of Defence, including the provision of training equipment.
The training contributed to building competent and professional SNA trainers who after being equipped with knowledge of IHL and IHRL will in turn be able to disseminate and provide training in the basic rules of IHL and IHRL applicable in the context of armed conflict in Somalia. The training involved general introduction to Somali customary rules of warfare “biri-ma-geydo; Islam and IHL; rules on protection of victims – Common Article 3 to the Geneva Conventions; rules on the conduct of hostilities; protection of detainees; protection of civilians and gender in the context of IHL – specific protection afforded to women under IHL; protection of humanitarian relief personnel and objects; protection of children during armed conflict; displacement and protection of persons displaced by armed conflict; the implementation of the concepts; and case studies specific to the context of Somalia.
This training was in line with TfP Programme’s strategic goal for improved and sustained capacity for peace operations on the continent.
The Training for Peace Programme at ACCORD is an initiative funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
