AU forces: We are committed to withdraw from Somalia by December

FILE - An African Union peacekeeper provides security as Somali lawmakers cast their ballots in the presidential election, at the Halane military camp in Mogadishu, May 15, 2022. AP photo

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has insisted that the remaining troops will leave the Horn of Africa nation by December 2024, in compliance with the Somali Transition Plan (STP), which was approved over four years ago.

Under STP, the ATMIS contingent is expected to hand over security responsibilities to the Somali National Army (SNA), who have undergone thorough training. The national army has also been equipped to deal with security challenges.

Alhaji Sarjoh Bah, director of conflict management within the Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department of the AU Commission, who led the delegation to Somalia, said the AU will ensure there is no security vacuum in Somalia as preparations begin for Phase Three drawdown of a further 4,000 troops by June.

"We remain committed to ensuring that, number one, we stick to the timelines of the drawdown. Of course, we have had two extensions in the last two drawdowns," Bah said in a statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.

"And so, except in situations of force majeure, we remain determined and resolute in ensuring that by December 31, 2024, we will have completed the drawdown."

Already, 5,000 soldiers have left the country in two phases, having handed over several Forward Operating Bases to SNA, with some closed down. By June, 4,000 more soldiers would leave the country under Phase III as scheduled by the government.

Bah stated that the AU will be flexible and consider any challenges that may arise for a seamless transition and to ensure there are no security gaps, ATMIS reports.

"We want to ensure that the configuration, whatever it looks like, whatever its posture, whatever its mandate, is informed by a very comprehensive security assessment that focuses on the threats and other variables," Bah said.

Al-Shabaab militants have lost significant ground in the country, with various strategic locations being taken in fierce battles. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has declared a total war against al-Shabaab, ahead of the second phase of operations against the group.

GAROWE ONLINE