MOGADISHU, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- The African Union top envoy in Somalia on Friday called on African Union Mission in Somalia new force commander Tigabu Yilma Wondimhunegn from Ethiopia to sustain onslaught against al-Shabab militants in the Horn of Africa nation.
Francisco Madeira, special representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia, said there is still enormous work to be done before completion of the mission's mandate.
"There is work to be done. We have not yet finished our mandate. The task ahead is enormous but I am very confident that you can do it," Madeira told the new force commander according to a statement issued after the handover ceremony in Mogadishu.
Wondimhunegn took office from outgoing force commander Jim Beesigye Owoyesigire, who has served in that capacity since January 2018.
The AU mission's peacekeepers have stepped up onslaught against insurgents who want to topple the government of Somalia.
Wondimhunegn has 34-years experience in the military and has served the Ethiopia National Defense Force in several capacities.
