ATMIS Begins Drawdown of Troops With the handover Of Another Base To Somali Army

Mogadishu, 21 June 2023 – The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has handed over one of the seven Forward Operating Bases to the Somali National Army (SNA) as part of the drawdown.

This is in compliance with the United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) 2628(22) and 2670(22) which mandates ATMIS to drawdown 2000 soldiers by the end of June 2023.

The Xaaji Cali base in the Hirshabelle State is located about 70km northeast of Mogadishu, and becomes the second base to be handed over after Maslah FOB which ATMIS handed over to the Federal Government of Somalia in January 2023.

The FOB was under the Area of Responsibility (AOR) of ATMIS Burundi National Defence Forces (BNDF).

The commander of ATMIS BNDF 2nd Battle Group in Xaaji Cali, Lt. Col. Richard Bimenyimana, officially handed over the facility to the SNA Commander in the area, Maj. Bashir Abukar Ahmed.

The event was attended by senior officials from ATMIS and SNA and chaired by the ATMIS Military Staff Officer for Logistics, Lt. Col. Collins Musau.

“Over the years, we have worked closely with the SNA and this cooperation has contributed significantly to improved stability and security in this area. Today’s handing over forms part of the transfer of security responsibilities,” said Lt. Col. Musau.

The SNA commander for Xaaji Cali, Maj. Bashir noted that the handover was the culmination of cordial working relationships between ATMIS and SNA troops.

“We have always had good working relations with ATMIS throughout their operations here. Now that they are handing over as mandated, we are happy to take over security responsibilities,” said Maj. Bashir.

According to Lt. Col. Richard Bimenyimana, the handover is in fulfilment of ATMIS mandate.

“It is a significant step today by ATMIS, following the previous assessment visit to the FOBs by the Senior Leadership teams from ATMIS, SNA and UNSOS,” he said.

As part of the handover, UNSOS which provides logistical support to ATMIS, left behind a borehole, water treatment and storage equipment, generators, solar panels, associated electrical distribution equipment, refrigerators, and freezers.