Mogadishu-(SONNA)- The Federal Republic of Somalia has announced that the first batch of 2,000 troops from the African transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) will begin the process of handing over their responsibilities to the Somali National Army. This marks a crucial milestone in the country’s transition towards self-reliance and the gradual withdrawal of ATMIS forces.
During a meeting held at Villa Somalia, the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and the African Union Special Representative for Somalia, Mohamed El-Amine Souef, discussed the progress of the African transition mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and the upcoming handover of security responsibility to the Somali National Army in 2024.
Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef commended the government’s efforts in countering the insurgency and improving the security situation in the second phase of the fight against Al-Shabaab. He emphasized the risks posed by Al-Shabaab to the lives and progress of the Somali people.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud praised the achievements of the Somali security forces in the fight against terrorism and the ongoing efforts to eradicate Al-Shabaab. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to support military and intelligence operations in the second phase of the fight against Al-Shabaab, both at the national and regional levels, to ensure stability and peace in Somalia.
In a separate event yesterday, the Minister of Defense of the Federal Republic of Somalia, accompanied by Ambassador Mohammed El-Amine Souef, the African Union Special Representative for Somalia, made the announcement regarding the handover process. The minister expressed gratitude to both the Ministry of Defense and the government for their active participation in implementing the transition plan, highlighting the importance of a collaborative effort to ensure a smooth and successful handover.
Ambassador Souef commended the Somali National Army for its commitment to maintaining peace and security within the country. He praised their efforts in the face of numerous challenges and acknowledged their role in the ongoing fight against terrorism. The ambassador also expressed his appreciation for the Somali government’s commitment to the transition process, which demonstrates their dedication to assuming full responsibility for the nation’s security.
The handover process is scheduled to commence in the first week of June and will be executed in a phased manner over the course of the next 18 months. The Somali National Army will gradually assume the responsibilities currently held by ATMIS troops, ensuring the uninterrupted provision of security and stability throughout the transition period. The planned completion of the handover is set for December 2024, in accordance with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2628.
This significant development reflects the progress made by the Somali National Army in building its capacity and readiness to take on greater responsibilities. It is a testament to the collective efforts of the Somali government, ATMIS, and international partners in supporting the country’s security sector reforms.
The handover process is expected to contribute to the consolidation of peace and stability in Somalia while strengthening the Somali National Army’s ability to address emerging security challenges independently. It represents a crucial step towards the ultimate goal of ensuring a secure and prosperous future for the Somali people.
As the Somali National Army prepares to assume full responsibility for the country’s security, the international community reaffirms its commitment to supporting Somalia in its efforts to achieve lasting peace, stability, and development.
