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MOGADISHU | Xinhua | The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) on Saturday handed over Abdalle Birolle military base to the Somali National Army (SNA), marking the transfer of the fourth military facility as part of the third phase of the ATMIS troop drawdown.
ATMIS said in a statement issued on Sunday in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, the army base, previously under the responsibility of ATMIS Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), is located in Jubaland State in southern Somalia.
Deputy special representative of the Chairperson of the AU Commission to Somalia Sivuyile Thandikhaya Bam who handed over the base underlined the ATMIS commitment to support the Somalia transition plan to restore peace and stability in the region.
Bam said Somalia once provided sanctuary to freedom fighters from other African countries during their struggles for independence.
“It is our duty to reciprocate the support and sacrifices made by the Somali people for our own countries’ freedom,” he said.
“Although we are handing over security responsibilities, the African Union will not abandon Somalia and will continue supporting a Somali-led peace and security process,” Bam added.
ATMIS Sector Two Commander Seif Salim Rashid praised the effective collaboration between the ATMIS KDF contingent and Somali Security Forces, which resulted in successful operations against Al-Shabaab in Jubaland State.
He urged the incoming SNA forces to maintain the security gains and build on the achievements of ATMIS troops, noting that the AU troops have achieved significant successes, greatly impacting the security situation in Kismayo.
Located 52 km southwest of the port city of Kismayo, the Abdalla Birolle FOB has been manned by ATMIS KDF since 2016.
It serves as a strategic security buffer for Kismayo International Airport and protects the main supply routes connecting Buula Xaaji and Kismayo city, as well as the local community.
Deputy chief of the operations department for the SNA Muhudin Ahmed hailed troops for their dedication and contributions to secure Jubaland State.
Muhudin said the Kenya Defence Forces troops have dedicated significant time to fighting for Somalia’s liberation and security, contributing to the peace process.
The AU mission withdrew 5,000 troops from Somalia and handed over 17 military bases to the Somali Security Forces during the first and second phases of the drawdown concluded in 2023.
UN Security Council Resolution 2741 (2024) authorizes ATMIS to withdraw 2,000 troops from Somalia by June 30 and another 2,000 by Sept. 30 under the Phase Three drawdown. ■
