The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has completed the transfer of 21 military bases to the Somali National Army, marking the official conclusion of its troop withdrawal process, which was carried out in three phases, according to a statement from the mission.
In preparation for a new AU-supported UN peacekeeping mission in the country, the peacekeeping operation has withdrawn a total of 9,000 soldiers from Somalia.
The advanced operational base in Burgavo, located in Jubaland State, is noted as the “last base to be transferred to the Somali National Army.” This facility, situated 530 kilometers from the capital, Mogadishu, lies along Somalia’s southern coast.
Under the control of the Kenyan army, this base has played a crucial role in combating the threat posed by Al-Shabaab and in securing the main supply route from Burgavo to Ras Kamboni, the statement added.
The new AU support and stabilization mission in Somalia, which will succeed the current one, is expected to commence in January.
The transfer of these bases represents a significant step toward Somalia assuming full responsibility for its security, a process that unfolds amid ongoing clan violence and challenges related to climate change.
According to the United Nations, clan violence in northern, central, and southern Somalia largely driven by disputes over grazing land has resulted in the displacement of thousands and severely affected livelihoods in the impacted areas.
Furthermore, many regions have not received the anticipated rainfall, which typically arrives in October and continues until the end of the year.AL24