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Beletweyne, Somalia | THE INDEPENDENT | Beletweyne, 29 August 2024 – The Force Commander of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), Lt. Gen. Sam Kavuma, has commended ATMIS Djibouti and Ethiopia troops for their dedication and commitment to maintain security and stability in their Areas of Operations.
During a familiarisation visit to Beletweyne, Hirshabelle State and Dhusamareb, Galmudug State, Lt. Gen. Kavuma affirmed ATMIS’ commitment to security and stability in Somalia.
“Somalia has made significant progress, and together with Somali Security Forces, we are committed to supporting our brothers and sisters in their pursuit for security, stability and peace,” noted Lt. Gen. Kavuma.
Accompanied by the ATMIS Military Chief of Staff, Brig. Gen Kindu Gezu, the Force
Commander met with ATMIS Sector Four Commander, Col. Said Waberi, and Deputy Sector Commander, Col. Shumet Telelew Endeshaw, and other senior officials in Beletweyne.
He was briefed on the security situation in the region, ongoing operations, and the achievements and challenges faced by ATMIS forces.
Lt. Gen. Kavuma expressed gratitude to the Djibouti and Ethiopian troops for their contributions to ATMIS’ security gains in Somalia.
“Sector Four, which consists of troops from Ethiopia and Djibouti, has strategically located basecamps that enable forces to monitor enemy movements and ensure the safety of the population,” added Lt. Gen. Kavuma.
The Force Commander also visited the Dhusamareb Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Galmudug State to assess the welfare and combat readiness of the troops, as well as the status of Civil-Military-Cooperation (CIMIC) activities done out by ATMIS to support the local population.
The military base, manned by ATMIS Djibouti troops, safeguards the Ugaas Nuur Airport and other key government installations, including the Presidential palace.
The visit follows another made last week to the port city of Kismayo to assess the security situation and troop welfare in Jubaland State.
This was his first visit to the southern city since taking over from Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding who left the mission in April to become the Deputy Chief of Uganda’s People’s Defence Forces.
Lt. Gen. Kavuma, accompanied by the Military Chief of Staff, Brig. Gen Kindu Gezu, held a closed-door meeting with the ATMIS Kenya Contingent Commander, Brig. Seif Salim Rashid and senior ATMIS military and police officers.
Brig. Rashid briefed Lt. Gen. Kavuma on the security situation in the region, ongoing peace support operations and humanitarian initiatives.
The Force Commander praised ATMIS Kenya troops for their significant contributions to peace and stability in southern Somalia.
“I want to thank the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) for their excellent work in improving peace and security in the area. Their efforts have made a big difference, for example, the seaport and airport are operational and there is a lot of development taking place in the region,” said Lt. Gen. Kavuma.
Kenya, alongside Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia and Uganda, is one of the Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) to ATMIS. The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is responsible for securing the Lower Juba region of southern Somalia.
Brig. Gen. Seif thanked Lt. Gen. Kavuma for visiting the region and offering valuable advice to guide operations, as ATMIS prepares to conclude its mission in December.
He highlighted the ongoing drawdown of ATMIS troops in Jubaland State, assuring KDF’s commitment to ensure peace and stability prevails.
“The drawdown plan is proceeding well. We finished phase one and two and we are almost finishing phase three. The programme is on course and once we complete phase three, we will prepare for the final phase,” said Brig. Gen. Rashid.
Lt. Gen. Kavuma also visited ATMIS Level II Hospital and expressed satisfaction with the quality of services provided to troops and local residents, as part of the mission’s Civil-Military Cooperation efforts to ensure access to quality healthcare.
