AU troops hand over more bases in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - In line with the implementation of the Somali Transition Plan (STP), the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has handed more bases to the Somali National Army (SNA) as they withdraw from the country.

On Saturday, the African Union troops handed over Abdalla Biroole Forward Operating Base in Jubaland, marking the fourth of such bases to be handed over to the local troops who will be in charge of security arrangements in the country.

Phase III of the drawdown of troops is ongoing and at least 4000 soldiers are expected to leave by June 30th. Already, 5,000 soldiers have left the country as part of the withdrawal strategy which was adopted a few years ago.

The handover is part of the phased withdrawal of ATMIS troops, aligning with broader efforts to empower Somali forces and build a robust, self-sufficient security framework in a bid to stabilize the country.

Somalia has been struggling with instability for the last three decades but has made some progress in maintaining law and order. The security forces in the country work closely with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia troops and the US Africa Command.

ATMIS and the US Army usually train and equip the Somalia National Army who are yet to control many parts of the country. The al-Shabaab are fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia.

The first phase of operations against Al-Shabaab left over 3 000 dead with several others quitting from the group. In the coming weeks, the second phase of operations against Al-Shabaab shall kick off in Jubaland and Southwest states.

GAROWE ONLINE