Today's Edition
MOGADISHU (ALETIHAD)
A Somali official confirmed on Wednesday that Somalia has made significant strides in bolstering the national army's capability to enhance security, stability, and combat terrorism, asserting the army's readiness to fully assume Somalia's security responsibilities.
The statement was made by the Acting Foreign Minister and State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ali Omar, during a meeting convened by the African Union Peace and Security Council in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The meeting focused on the accomplishments of the African Union peacekeeping forces (ATMIS) throughout their deployment in Somalia, as reported by the Somali National News Agency "SONNA". Omar extended his gratitude to all African nations contributing to the ATMIS forces for their efforts and support in advancing Somalia to this crucial juncture of security improvement.
The gathering also reviewed the tangible outcomes of the Somali government's strategy for transitioning security duties to the national army, with input from representatives of the United Nations, the European Union, and security experts.
ATMIS recently initiated the second phase of its peacekeeping force withdrawal from the country. A statement from the mission said: "We have commenced the second phase of our withdrawal, with our forces beginning the handover of a base to the Somali National Armed Forces." The base, situated in the Middle Shabelle region of southern Somalia, was previously occupied by a unit of the Burundian National Defense Forces under ATMIS' command. An official ceremony marked the handover of the base to a representative of the Somali army, as noted in the statement.
Preparations for this second phase of the withdrawal began in August of the previous year, aiming to pull out 3,000 soldiers from the African forces. On June 20, 2023, the initial contingent of 2,000 peacekeeping soldiers departed Somalia, marking a significant step in the transitional plan devised by the Somali government and its international partners to gradually shift security responsibilities to the national army.
