“Despite ATMIS troop withdrawal, we’ll ensure no security gaps,” Souef vowed following a two-day jaunt to Jowhar in Somalia’s south-central heartland, per the statement emerging from Mogadishu on Saturday night.
Souef highlighted that the transition will be meticulously planned between the federal member states (FMS), Somalia’s government, and international allies.
During his visit, Souef heaped praise on the Burundian forces for their tireless efforts in diminishing the influence of al-Shabab. He urged them to stay sharp and synchronize efforts with Somali security forces and local communities.
This tour is part of the African Union envoy’s broader trek across the FMS to evaluate troop readiness, welfare, and morale ahead of the follow-up mission set to replace ATMIS after their withdrawal.
“We came to gauge our contingent’s performance, and everyone we spoke to — be it the president, civil society reps, elders, or local officials — all commended our contingent’s dedication, know-how, and eagerness in supporting civil-military cooperation and security,” Souef conveyed.
The United Nations Security Council Resolution 2710 (2023) mandates ATMIS to pull out 4,000 troops in the third phase, to be supplanted by Somali security units.
Souef lauded the UN and ATMIS personnel based in Jowhar for their dedication and sacrifices in nurturing Somalia’s peace process.
He expressed optimism about Somalia’s recent election to the UN Security Council, its entry into the East African Community, and the lifting of the arms embargo, all seen as harbingers of hope for Somalia and the continent at large.
ATMIS retracted 5,000 troops from Somalia, ceding control of 17 military outposts to the Somali security forces in the initial two drawdown phases concluded in 2023.
Marius Ngendabanka, the ATMIS deputy force commander overseeing operations and plans, reaffirmed the mission’s resolve to bolster peace efforts in the region and collaborate with the Somali National Army to secure Hirshabelle State.
“We’re here to help Somalia regain peace and stability, and we’ll keep striving toward this admirable objective,” Ngendabanka declared.
