Wednesday August 7, 2024
In a formal handover ceremony, officers from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) transfer control of the Mahas district base to the Somali National Army (SNA).
Beledweyne (HOL) — The Somali National Army (SNA) has taken over the Mahas district base in the Hiiraan region from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), marking the sixth transfer of such bases to Somali government forces.
ATMIS troops officially handed over control of the Mahad base to the SNA on Wednesday. The SNA now holds full responsibility for the district's security. Previously, Ethiopian troops managed the base under the ATMIS mission.
The transfer is part of a broader approach as the African Union (AU) prepares to launch a new mission, the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The AU's Peace and Security Council endorsed the formation of AUSSOM on August 1 to build the capacity of Somali security forces and ensure robust force protection measures. ATMIS will conclude its mission in December 2024.
Colonel Bosco Sibondavyi, logistics chief of ATMIS peacekeeping forces, praised both ATMIS and SNA troops for their dedication to protecting the local population and maintaining regional security during the handover event. Hussein Mohamed, representing the Somali army, expressed the SNA's readiness to assume security responsibilities and combat the Al-Shabaab militant group.
Patrick Duah, head of transition planning for the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), emphasized the importance of UNSOS's support for Somalia's Transition Plan and its peace process. He highlighted the need for ongoing international cooperation and sustainable funding to achieve AUSSOM's goals.
Despite progress in Somalia's security and political landscape, challenges persist. The recent attack on Lido Beach by Al-Shabaab militants resulted in the deaths of 40 civilians and injuries to 247 others, underscoring the ongoing threat from the group.