Mogadishu (AX) – On Monday, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) officially transferred control of the Orhasan Forward Operating Base (FOB) to the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) in Beledweyne.
This site, once overseen by the Djibouti National Defence Forces (DNDF) under ATMIS since 2012, is now the fifth base transitioned in the ongoing Phase Three drawdown of ATMIS troops.
Strategically, the Orhasan FOB acts as a shield for Beletweyne Airport, situated in northwest Somalia, securing the area against Al-Shabaab threats and protecting the local populace.
The handover ceremony saw ATMIS Military Chief of Plans, Col. Alex Cann, at the helm. It was attended by top-tier officials from ATMIS, SNA, and the United Nations, featuring figures such as ATMIS Sector Four Commander, Col. Said Waberi, and SNAF’s Major Ahmed Muhidin.
“Even as we pass the baton of security responsibilities, ATMIS will remain allied with the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) to bolster security and stability. I salute the brave soldiers who laid down their lives fighting Al-Shabaab and encourage continued teamwork to bring tranquility back to Somalia,” stated Col. Cann, representing the Acting ATMIS Force Commander.
Col. Waberi, ATMIS Sector Four Commander, applauded the Djibouti troops for their stellar work in maintaining peace in the Hiraan region and urged the incoming SNAF to safeguard the local citizens.
“I urge the SNAF to sustain this base while ensuring the protection of civilians in Beletweyne and its vicinity,” he remarked.
In turn, Major Muhidin from SNAF expressed gratitude towards the ATMIS troops for their unwavering commitment to Somali security.
“We are profoundly grateful to the Djibouti soldiers for their admirable dedication in supporting Somalia’s quest for peace and stability. They have made significant sacrifices for the well-being of their Somali brothers,” he said.
During the event, the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) furnished SNAF with essential equipment, such as generators, refrigerators, and water storage tanks.
“Our mission here is to provide logistical aid to ensure seamless functioning of this base. We’re delivering camp utilities and life-support facilities, thereby making the infrastructure conducive for the SNAF to take over,” articulated Patrick Duah, Chief of the Transition Planning Cell at UNSOS.
