Somalia to Take the Helm of AUSSOM as Local Forces Gear Up for Transition
MOGADISHU, Somalia – In a significant step towards sovereign command, it has been confirmed by top officials that Somalia is set to assume the leadership of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This comes as local forces gear up to take over full security responsibilities, marking a pivotal change in the dynamic of power and control within the region. What does it mean for the people of Somalia to see this shift in leadership?
Hussein Moalim Mohamud, entrusted as the National Security Advisor, emphasized the importance of Somalia shepherding the operations of AUSSOM. This marks a departure from previous practices where foreign troops had substantial control over operations conducted on Somali soil. “It’s high time that Somalia stands at the forefront,” Moalim asserted, echoing a sentiment for self-sufficiency that resonates deeply with the aspirations of the nation.
Contributing to this mission are determined nations—Egypt, Kenya, Uganda, Djibouti, and Ethiopia—collectively providing a robust contingent of 11,500 soldiers. Yet, there’s drama in the ranks as Burundi hesitates, pulling back over disagreements about troop numbers. Such discord underscores the intricate diplomacy at play, where collaboration and consensus are as crucial as the missions themselves.
Moalim iterated a truth that many in Somalia are living: significant progress is being made in securing pivotal regions and reducing terrorist threats. There’s palpable anticipation as the Somali National Army awaits the full spectrum of military equipment, vital tools in their impending responsibility for national security. “Our readiness grows each day; it’s a path we’ve been steadfastly paving,” he added thoughtfully.
Collaboration is not limited to neighboring countries. The Federal Government of Somalia, in concert with AUSSOM troop-contributing countries and international partners, is intensifying efforts to secure sovereignty. How does the global eye regard this collective endeavor, one might wonder?
On a rather strategic Tuesday, in a testament to the international alliances at play, the Somali National Army executed a well-coordinated joint airstrike with U.S. Africa Command. This decisive move targeted Al-Shabaab militants following their thwarted assault on the town of Alkowsar in the Middle Shabelle region of Hirshabelle State.
Details, still unfolding, reveal that this operation specifically aimed at the group’s leadership who had previously faced defeats at the hands of the Somali National Army and allied local militias. Precise casualty figures remain under assessment, hinting at both the complexity and the ongoing nature of this struggle.
Somalia stands firm with a resolute intention to dismantle both Al-Shabaab and ISIS threats, groups that challenge the struggling UN-backed federal government. In the rugged north, Northeastern State’s Counter-Terrorism Forces are constantly engaged, alongside partners from U.S. Africa Command and the United Arab Emirates, to uproot ISIS militancy.
In conclusion, as Somalia gradually moves towards taking full reins of AUSSOM, a sense of cautious optimism mingles with the sobering realities of ongoing security challenges. It’s a moment of both celebration and vigilance. Are we witnessing the dawn of a new chapter, where Somalia secures its own narrative in the field of national and international security?
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International—Monitoring.
