A Significant Step in Security Transition
Somalia’s Security Transition – In a remarkable milestone of sovereignty, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) announced on June 30th, 2023, that it has concluded the first phase of the planned troop drawdown. The final two Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), Aljazeera 1 in Mogadishu and Gherille in Jubaland State, have been successfully transferred to the Somali Security Forces (SSF).
In a concerted effort involving the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) and the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), seven FOBs have been assigned for handover. This move has facilitated the withdrawal of 2000 troops, thereby returning control of critical regions – Xaaji Cali, Miirtugo, Cadale, Albao, Gherille, Aljazeera 1 and Marka Ayub – to the SSF.
The Final Handovers – Historic and Collaborative
Significantly, the transfer of the last two bases, Aljazeera 1 and Gherille FOB, marked a historic moment in the Somalia transition plan. Gherille FOB, in the Gedo region of Jubaland State, was under ATMIS Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), and Aljazeera 1, on the outskirts of the capital Mogadishu, was manned by ATMIS Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). Both bases are now under the firm control of Somali authorities.
In a ceremonial event in Gherille, near the Kenya-Somalia border, ATMIS commander Maj. Terence Shitanda Soita symbolically handed over the reins to the Jubaland Security Forces (JSF) commander, Lt. Col. Salan Afey. The ceremony was witnessed by top ATMIS and Somali National Army (SNA) officials, underlining the importance of the event.
Praise and Promises of Continued Collaboration
The ATMIS commanders praised the Somali forces for their cooperation and resilience. Lt. Col. Andrew Kamau Nganga, Commander of ATMIS Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Battalion based in Burahache, pledged continuous support and cooperation with the new commanders and their teams. He described the handover as a “historic” event.
The Deputy Commander of Jubaland Security Forces in the Gedo region, Col. Noor Abdi Hussein, lauded the ATMIS KDF troops for their enduring contributions to the mission of restoring peace and stability in Somalia. He appreciated their sacrifices and referred to Kenya as a supportive partner in their journey to stability.
Commemorating Sacrifices and Milestones
The ATMIS commanders recognized the strategic importance of the Forward Operating Bases in maintaining peace and facilitating operations against armed groups, including Al-Shabaab. They expressed confidence in the SSF’s capacity to manage operations effectively, built on a foundation of mentoring and capacity-building initiatives.
Notably, In the Al-Jazeera 1 Training camp, the ATMIS Uganda contingent commander, Brig. Gen. Peter Omola, passed the baton to Col. Ahmed Mohamed Hassan, the Advisor to the SNA Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). They both underlined the importance of training programs, including Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD), Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (IED), and route search training, carried out during ATMIS’ control of the FOBs.
Looking Forward – Somalia’s Security Transition
The handover of the FOBs is not merely symbolic but represents a significant progression in the implementation of the Somalia Transition Plan (STP). The process also aligns with the UN Security Council Resolutions 2628 and 2670 (2022), which set the roadmap for the transition of security responsibility to the Somali government.
As the ATMIS Chief Logistics Officer, Col. Bosco Sibondavyi, representing the Force Commander, noted, the completion of the first phase of troop reduction is an “important milestone” in the Somalia Transition Plan. The ATMIS contingent, originally comprising over 19,000 soldiers and police officers, is expected to be fully withdrawn by the end of 2024, paving the way for the SSF to assume full control.
“For more insights into ATMIS’ operations and its engagement with Somalia, explore our in-depth coverage of a recent Ramadan Iftar dinner hosted by ATMIS in Mogadishu – Read here: https://somalista.com/atmis-hosts-ramadan-iftar-dinner-in-mogadishu/ “
The Long Road Ahead – Resilience against Insurgency
The ATMIS’ transition from AMISOM, an AU mission with a reinforced mandate to combat the Al-Shabaab insurgency, underlines the international community’s commitment to restoring stability in Somalia but also enabling a smooth road for Somalia’s Security Transition. The Al-Shabaab group, has been waging a violent insurgency against the internationally-backed government in Mogadishu for over 15 years.
Ultimately, despite the persistent threat posed by the Al-Shabaab group and other armed factions, the Somali government and international forces, including the AU, remain determined to enhance security, stability, and peace in the nation. The handover of the Forward Operating Bases underlines this commitment and reinforces the resilience of the Somali forces in their march towards national security.
In Somali
Soomaaliya Oo Ka Qaadaynaysa Hogaanka Xerooyinka Ammaanka Ee Midowga Afrika
Dhacdo muhiim ah oo ka mid ah heerka qorshaha Ammaanka ee Soomaaliya, Howlgalka Kooxda Federaalka ee Midowga Afrika ee Soomaaliya (ATMIS) waxeey ku guulaysatay inaay dhameeyso qeybti koowaad ee ahayd casilida qorshaha ciidamada. Gacanta lagu hayo labada Xero ee Hoose oo ugu dambeeya ayaa Ciidamada Ammaanka ee Soomaaliya loo dhiibaya tasoo muujinaysaa tallaabo muhiim ah oo loo qaaday si loo kordhiyo qaranka ammaankiisa, tanno tarikh cusub ka bilaabaysa soomaaliya taaso ka hir galinayasa nabadda, deganaanshaha, iyo madaxbannaanida.
Dhanka Dambe: Jidka Dheer ee Horyaal – Xasilloonida ku aadan iska hor-imaadka
ATMIS’ isbedelkeeda AMISOM, howl-galka Midowga Afrika oo leh amar xoogan oo la dagaallamaya iska hor-imaadka kooxda Al-Shabaab. Calamka oo ku balan-qaaday inaay taageri doonan madaxtoyada Soomaaliya iyo bulshdada’ba, si ay dib u heshiisiiyaan degaamada Soomaaliya. Kooxda Al-Shabaab, oo ku haysaa dagaal xoogan oo soo socday 15-sanno qaranka soomaaliya ee muqdisho ayaa calamku isku raacay in dowladda Soomaaliya ay tahay ta ruunta ah oo ‘representative’ uu bulshada soomaaliyeedah.
Marka la eego dhibatada joogtada ah ee ay keentay kooxda Al-Shabaab iyo kooxaha kale ee hubaysan, dowladda Soomaaliya iyo ciidamada caalamka, oo ay ku jiraan AU, weli ay ku dagaallamayan inay hagajiyaan ammaanka, deganaanshaha, iyo nabadda qaranka.
