MOGADISHU — The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) said it has imposed a lockdown at its Halane Base Camp, an army base, in order to secure the swearing-in of lawmakers slated for Thursday.
ATMIS said the total lockdown is a precautionary routine measure that the mission has used since its inception in 2007 to prevent attempts by terrorists to breach security in the base camp in times of heightened imminent security threats, festive periods, and other high-level government/partner activities.
“Its sole purpose is to facilitate operations aimed at ensuring that the Base Camp remains a safe, secure, and conducive place during this critical electoral period, including the swearing-in ceremony, the celebrations of the 62nd Somalia Army Day and the entire Ramadan period,” the AU mission said in a statement on Sunday evening.
Halane base camp houses ATMIS, United Nations and other international agencies committed to serving the people of Somalia.
ATMIS said it’s working hand in hand with Somali security forces to ensure that the completion of the electoral process is achieved in a conducive and violence-free environment.
“ATMIS remains committed to working collaboratively with key ministries and agencies within the federal government of Somalia to secure election venues and candidates,” it said.
