By THE INDEPENDENT UG
Mogadishu, Somalia | THE INDEPENDENT | The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and the Federal Government of Somalia have stated that the lifting of the 31-year UN arms embargo on Somalia would inject fresh momentum into the fight against Al-Shabaab and other armed groups in the country.
Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef, the African Union Special Representative for Somalia and Head of ATMIS, along with Somalia’s Minister for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Daud Aweis, emphasized during a joint press briefing that the UN Security Council’s decision marked a pivotal moment in Somalia’s security evolution. They view it as a game changer in the ongoing offensive against Al-Shabaab.
Amb. Souef highlighted, “This marks a significant moment in the evolution of Somalia’s security and acts as a catalyst for the ongoing transition of security responsibilities from ATMIS to the Somalia Security Forces. It is an important step in enhancing the operational capabilities of the Somali Security Forces, enabling them to combat Al-Shabaab more effectively.”
ATMIS Force Commander Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding and other senior ATMIS and Federal Government officials were also present at the media briefing.
Minister Aweis expressed that the lifting of the embargo would empower Somalia to build and modernize its armed forces, thereby enhancing its capability to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He stated, “Somalia needs to acquire modern weapons and equipment to effectively fight these threats and secure our borders.”
Both officials reiterated their commitment to the military offensive against Al-Shabaab and ensuring a smooth transition before the start of the second phase of the ATMIS troop drawdown. Starting next week, ATMIS is set to withdraw an additional 3,000 troops from Somalia in compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 2710 by December 31, 2023.
Amb. Souef emphasized, “I want to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the transition and drawdown process, ensuring we fulfill our mandate while also providing support for ongoing operations. We recognize the importance of balancing the drawdown with the need to maintain other vital operations.”
Minister Aweis provided details on recent military operations, stating, “An operation carried out by the national army with the help of international allies in the village of Hilow Bacaad, 80 km southwest of Halgan in Hiiran region has confirmed the killing of 60 terrorists. The SNA and the local forces have also carried out operations in Bakool, Galgadud, Hiran, and Middle Shabelle regions.”
He attributed improved safety and security in the capital, Mogadishu, to the public’s support for military offensives and close collaboration with communities. Minister Aweis expressed gratitude, saying, “We are grateful to the Somali people who have always supported the government and the military, and without them, the good progress made in strengthening the stability of the capital could not have been possible.”
Amb. Souef mentioned that ATMIS forces, collaborating with the Somali National Army, are addressing the adverse effects of El Nino-induced floods through various emergency interventions. These include evacuating people marooned by floods and distributing food and non-food items to affected families. Over 1.5 million people have been displaced, and more than 100 have lost their lives due to the flooding.
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SOURCE: ATMIS
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