The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and Head of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), Ambassador Mohamed Al-Amine Souef, visited the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) troops at the Ceel Jaale Forward Operating Base in Somalia today to assess the security situation and brief them on the upcoming drawdown phase.

Ambassador Souef commended the UPDF troops for their dedication to fostering peace, stability, and strong community ties. He called for social cohesion and reconciliation for the betterment and development of Somalia. He assured the locals of the continuity of security even after post-ATMIS. He called on Somalis to forget the civil war and clan conflicts and build the country together.

The Sector One Commander, Brig Gen Anthony Lukwago Mbuusi, hailed the successful efforts of clan mediation, cordial working civil-military relationship, and key leaders’ engagement, enabling the environment for Somali Federal Government forces to take on key security roles.

Ambassador Mohamed Al-Amine Souef was accompanied by the ATMIS Military Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Kindu Gez, and other top ATMIS officials.