Somalia ready for withdrawal of AU forces, says Hassan Sheikh

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The federal republic of Somalia will embrace planned withdrawal of a number of African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS ] serving under the African Union [AU] peace initiative, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has said, while confirming the preparedness of the forces.

ATMIS, formerly known as AMISOM [African Union Mission in Somalia], has been assisting in stabilization of the state for the last 16 years when Al-Shabaab first struct in the Horn of Africa nation, and have assisted in liberation of several strategic towns in the country according to Somali government.

In a meeting with African Union Commission representative to Somalia Souef Mohamed El-Amine, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said the country is committed towards full implementation of the Somali Transition Plan [STP] which recommends drawdown of the soldiers from the current number..

By the end of 2024, STP manual spells, the Somali National Army [SNA] would have taken charge of security responsibilities in the country. Currently, there are close to 22,000 ATMIS troops in Somalia, with Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya and Burundi being the major contributors.

President Hassan Sheikh emphasized the need for support to achieve a peaceful Somalia, Villa Somalia reported. On his part, ambassador Souef praised the government's efforts to combat terrorism, adding that the African Union is determined to secure the whole country from Al-Shabaab militants.

The discussions come just a few days after attacks by Al-Shabaab targeting foreign peacekeepers in the country. A fortnight ago, the militants overran the Bulo Marer Forward Operating Base manned by the Uganda People's Defense Forces [UPDF], killing over 54 soldiers according to official statistics given by Uganda.

Earlier last week, the militants also attempted to attack an Ethiopian National Defense Forces [ENDF] Forward Operating Base in Gedo region, within Dolow town. This is the entry point where Al-Shabaab attempted to cross over to Ethiopia sometimes in December last year, leading to massive setbacks.

GAROWE ONLINE