AMISOM discusses security arrangements ahead of Somalia's elections

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The African Union Mission Forces in Somalia has pledged to ensure security is guaranteed ahead of the much-anticipated elections in Somalia, which would kick off this month in various regional states ahead of the presidential polls that are scheduled for February 2021.

Regional polls for senators who will represent specific states are expected to start soon before MP elections in December. The country's leadership had settled on the improved clan-based electoral system after the National Independent Electoral Commission failed to hold universal suffrage polls.

But the elections are now facing another hurdle after various presidential candidates questioned the list of commissioners submitted by the Federal Government of Somalia. Various regions have already submitted the names of those expected to serve in the national polls committee.

But the African Union has started mobilization of the 22000 troops in Somalia as part of the plan to ensure the regions are secured for smooth choosing of leaders in the country. The AMISOM troops will be in charge of security in the country during the voting exercise.

Lt. Gen Diomede Ndegeya, the Force Commander, held a meeting with all sector commanders in the country ahead of the elections. Six Sector Commanders took part in the meeting and are expected to steer security arrangements, AMISOM said.

"Lt. Gen. Diomede Ndegeya, AMISOM Force Commander today chaired an engagement meeting attended by all six sector commanders of the mission, to strategize on implementing AMISOM’s reconfiguration plan, and security measures for the forthcoming elections in Somalia," read a tweet from AMISOM.

"During the meeting, Lt. Gen. Ndegeya commended his troops' efforts in supporting and reinforcing the Somali Security Forces, which he said helps to enable the Somalis to take over security responsibilities for their country when AMISOM exits," the mission added.

The mission is set to withdraw troops from Somalia after full implementation of the Somali Transition Plan [STP] by the end of 2021. Under the plan, the troops are expected to hand over all security responsibilities to the Somali National Army.

GAROWE ONLINE