The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, known as ATMIS, has recently turned over a significant forward operating base to the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), marking a pivotal step in their mission’s phased withdrawal. This handover, which took place on Thursday, saw the Burgavo Forward Operating Base change hands, wrapping up the third phase in ATMIS’s drawdown strategy.
Stationed on the southern coast of Somalia, 530 kilometers from Mogadishu, the Burgavo base, previously controlled by Kenya’s Defense Forces as part of ATMIS, has been a critical hub in diminishing the influence of the militant group Al-Shabaab. Its strategic location helped secure the vital Burgavo-Ras Kamboni Main Supply Route, a lifeline for the region.
Thursday’s ceremony was led by Col. Meshack Kishoyian, ATMIS Sector Two Deputy Commander, with notable attendees including ATMIS’s military Chief Engineer Col. Suleiman Ibrahim and SNAF’s Maj. Sakariye Mohamed Omar. Also present were Badhadhe District Commissioner Gen. Mohamed Ibrahim Farah, representatives from the Jubaland State administration, and officials from the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS).
The formal handing over was marked by the signing of documents by the outgoing ATMIS FOB Commander, Maj. Charles Kaara, and the incoming SNAF FOB Commander, Maj. Muktar Mohamed. Santosh Koka from UNSOS also appended his signature to the transition planning documents, further solidifying the transfer.
Reflecting on the event, Col. Suleiman Ibrahim of ATMIS emphasized the significance of this transition as it highlights the growing competence and determination of the Somali Security Forces. “As Somalia steps up to safeguard its own lands, our collective efforts with ATMIS, UNSOS, and international partners are paying off,” he stated, recognizing joint efforts by ATMIS and SNAF troops that have contributed to the pacification of the Lower Juba region.
“It’s profoundly commendable how the Somali Security Forces have maintained their grip on the military bases we’ve passed to them,” Col. Ibrahim remarked, expressing confidence that these forces will continue to exhibit resilience and competence, ensuring peace prevails in Somalia.
Adding to the sentiments, Badhadhe District Commissioner, Gen. Mohamed Ibrahim Farah, assured that Somalia’s government stands ready and capable to defend its territories against threats like Al-Shabaab. “This moment marks a turning point where Somalis shall truly own their security,” he affirmed.
The liberated town of Burgavo, freed from Al-Shabaab in 2011 through the combined efforts of ATMIS and SNA forces, has since played a pivotal role in stymying smuggling activities. Col. Kishoyian, ATMIS Sector Two Commander, stressed, “Closing down illegal imports through this port has been critical to our mission’s success.”
Maj. Sakariye Mohamed Omar of SNAF also acknowledged the vital contributions of ATMIS’s Kenya Defense Forces in diminishing the sway of Al-Shabaab. “Our country is moving toward a safer future, and our forces’ resolve is unwavering,” he declared.
As part of the support extended to SNAF, UNSOS provided invaluable equipment, ranging from generators to refrigeration units, ensuring that operational capabilities remain robust.
This handover is a testimony to ATMIS’s systematic drawdown process, which commenced in 2023 and includes three distinct phases. So far, ATMIS has transferred control of 21 military bases to the Somali Security Forces, while gradually withdrawing 9,000 troops from the country. These efforts underline a significant progression towards self-reliance for Somalia’s national defense.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
