AU troops in Somalia keep eye on Al-Shabaab as Ramadan starts

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) will keep an eye on the movements of Al-Shabaab militants, just as the country starts the Holy Month of Ramadan, which is performed by Muslims around the world for a month. 

Al-Shabaab militants are fond of taking advantage of the month to antagonize innocent people around the country,  a situation that ATMIS is ready to prevent from recurring. The group has traditionally launched terror attacks of high magnitude during the Holy month of Ramadhan.  

Mohamed El-Amine Souef, the African Union representative to Somalia,  also expressed well wishes to Somalis as they start Ramadhan, noting that the country should seize the opportunity to promote peace and prosperity,  which has lacked for almost three decades. 

“Somalia is known for its strong religious and social ties. May the teachings of Islam inspire us during the Holy Month of Ramadhan and renew our hope and purpose to promote national peace, unity, and reconciliation in Somalia,” said Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef.

During this Holy Month of Ramadhan, ATMIS pledges to continue to fulfill its mandate of supporting the Somali Security Forces to ensure the safety and security of the Somali people and their property within our areas of responsibility, he said. 

"Ambassador Souef also calls on the public to collaborate with the Somali Security Forces and ATMIS to ensure public safety and security and avert any disruptions of peace by Al-Shabaab khawarji," ATMIS noted. 

ATMIS is the primary enforcer of peace and security in the country, with the troops stationed in different parts of Somalia. Security teams are on high alert following threats by Al-Shabaab,  a group that has lost substantial ground in Somalia since the activation of operations against the militants.  

The United Nations and the African Union have been pushing for stability and security in the country,  with mission troops expected to fully leave the country by the end of 2024. Somalia security forces have started assuming security responsibilities. 

GAROWE ONLINE