After Al-Shabaab attacks, ATMIS imposes lockdown at Halane Base Camp

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Access to the Halane Base Camp will be limited in the next three days, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] has announced, which will allow security forces to conduct operations within the heavily fortified facility.

The Halane Base Camp plays host to several diplomatic missions and the United Nations within Mogadishu. This camp is viewed as one of the most protected areas within the federal republic of Somalia, which is struggling to contain the Al-Shabaab threat.

Just a few weeks ago, Al-Shabaab militants attacked the facility leading to the death of at least ten people, main foreigners working in Somalia. The security threat triggered questions about the safety of foreigners and other senior government officials.

In a communique dispatched to the press, ATMIS, which is also facing serious internal challenges, noted that the facility will be out of bounds from April 25 to April 28, to allow security forces to conduct "operations within the surrounding areas".

The decision, ATMIS adds, was arrived upon consultation with Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble, noting that the exercise will be done "safely and without interference". Insecurity has rocked the Somali capital Mogadishu in recent weeks with Al-Shabaab heightening attacks.

Last week, the militants attacked Lido beach in Mogadishu where a number of legislators and Police chief Major General Hijar were holed up in a meeting. So dire was the attack that a number of security analysts questioned why security forces within the compound were not armed at the time of the attack.

Despite the closure of the facility, ATMIS said, operations within the busy Aden Adde International Airport will go on uninterrupted. However, activities within Air Force Hangar will be extremely limited to allow security teams to put a number of things in order.

The closure coincides with elections of the Speakers of the Lower House and Senate which have been scheduled for April 26th and 27th within. Afisiyoni tent within Halane Base Camp. The committee responsible for the elections moved them from Villa Hargeisa due to security concerns.

After the elections, legislators from the bicameral house will elect the president of the federal republic of Somalia. Outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo is battling to defend his seat but he has been under persistent attacks for allegedly "interfering" with the polls.

Farmajo is facing stiff opposition from former Presidents Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud along with former PM Hassan Ali Khaire and Wadajir party leader Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame who was elected to the Lower House recently.

On Monday three people [soldier, driver, and a civilian] died in an IED blast targeting a senior Somali military Gen Mohamed Hashi near Banadir junction shortly after leaving Villa Baidoa army base, police said. This adds to a series of insecurity incidents within the capital.

GAROWE ONLINE