NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 18 — The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has begun the second phase of troop drawdown after handing over key bases.
ATMIS troops handed over the Somalia State House and Parliament House Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Mogadishu to the Somali Security Forces (SSF) on Sunday.
The move is line with the United Nations security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2710 which mandates the withdrawal of 3,000 ATMIS troops by December 31.
ATMIS described the handover of the two critical infrastructure units as a major achievement in the ongoing Somalia Security Transition.
“The two facilities, which had been under the command of ATMIS UPDF troops since 2007, responsible for securing the presidential palace and parliament, symbolize the Federal Government’s (FGS) commitment and preparedness to assume full security responsibilities for Somalia,” ATMIS said Sunday.
The move comes at a time when Somalia and her neighbors including Kenya continue to counter attacks from the Al-Qaeda-linked terrorist outfit Al-Shabaab.
The handover ceremony, attended by ATMIS Head Souefmo Elamine, UN Special Representative of the Secretary General for Somalia Catriona Laing, United Nations Support Office in Somalia head OiC Qurat-ul-Ain Sodazai, and Senior Federal Government of Somalia(FGS) officials led by the National Security Advisor Hussein Sheikh-Ali.
ATMIS Sector 1 Commander signed the handover documents with Qurat-ul-Ain Sodazai (UNSOS) and Sheikh-Ali (FGS) representing their respective entities.
Somalia’s President Hussein Sheikh Mohamed described the handover as a historic milestone.
“After 16 yrs, the Somali National Armed Forces and SPF have officially taken over security responsibilities for the State House and Federal Parliament House from ATMIS.This significant step marks progress in Somalia’s journey toward self-reliance and stability,” Villa Somalia, his official residence, said.
ATMIS concluded the first phase of the troop drawdown on July 1.
