AMISOM to handover security to somali forces ahead of its withdrawal from the country

[Deeq A.]

African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) on Saturday said it would start a series of troop movements in various forward operation bases (FOB)  to pave the way for the transitioning of security responsibilities to the Somali National Security Forces.

The Mission highlighted that it is undertaking the troop movements aimed at re-aligning contingent compositions in FOBs across the country.

African Union envoy for Somalia, Francisco Caetano Madeira said over the coming weeks, troop movements will continue, without disrupting the provision of the existing security services, to ensure the safety of the people of Somalia, who remain at the core of AMISOM’s operational consideration.

“The realignment of our troops in forward operating bases across the Sectors including the movement of Ethiopian military contingents who are currently seen crossing the border from and into Somalia, represents calculated activities, in readiness for the transitioning of security responsibilities to the Somali National Security Forces,” Madeira said in a statement.

He commended Somali security forces for their determination and focus in completing all training and ensuring readiness to assume security responsibilities over territories secured by AMISOM.

The AU sentiment comes amid the leaders of the federal government and state administrations jointly penned counteroffensive strategy.

In an ongoing security conference in Mogadishu, the leaders agreed to prop up the fight against Alshabaab militants who stepped up their suicide attacks against the civilians and the government installations.

AU Mission is now in its tenth year in the country to battle the Al-Qaeda affiliate militants and protect Internationally recognised Somali government.