ADALA, Somalia [SMN] – The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef visited Cadale Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Hirshabelle State to assess preparations for its handover to the Somali National Army (SNA) as part of the drawdown of 2,000 ATMIS troops by the end of this month.
Amb. Souef commended Burundi troops serving as part of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and currently manning the FOB for a “long and outstanding commitment” to ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in Somalia.
“Burundi was the second country after Uganda to deploy on this AU mission, and together with Ugandan troops played an active role in the liberation of Mogadishu and other areas, thereby facilitating state building processes in Somalia. We are proud of you and your country, you have been good ambassadors for the entire continent. You are part of those who brought and made peace in this lovely country,” said Amb. Souef, who is also head of ATMIS, said in his address to the Burundian contingent.
The SRCC and ATMIS head was part of a high-level delegation of United Nations and African Union officials.
The delegation included, the Head of United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), Assistant Secretary General Aisa Kacyira, ATMIS Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding and other senior UN and ATMIS officials.
Amb. Souef praised Burundian troops for fostering good relations with the local communities and undertaking projects to support stabilisation efforts, through Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities.
“What you have done to reinforce the relationship between the international community with the locals here and what you have done in support of the IDPs, we appreciate. I know that they are getting water from here. This is very important,” he said.
ASG Kacyira hailed the ATMIS Burundi soldiers for their sacrifice in contributing to Somalia’s stabilisation and pledged UNSOS support to ensure a successful transition.
“You are drawing down with dignity and a sense of achievement. We want to thank you for having done a hard job of sacrificing yourselves. I am aware that along the way some troops lost their lives and we honor them today,” she said.
ATMIS Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding commended ATMIS Burundi troops for their role in degrading the Al-Shabaab and urged them to remain vigilant during the transition period.
Cadale is part of several FOBs in Hirshabelle State manned by Burundi National Defence Forces (BNDF) troops serving under ATMIS. It is one of the three FOBS in Hirshabelle State to be handed over by the end of this month.
The planned handover of Cadale FOB is in line with the joint Concept of Operations (CONOPs) and the Somali Transition Plan – developed by the Federal Government of Somalia, ATMIS, the UN and development partners to guide the transition process.
The assessment visit comes at a time when ATMIS is expected to drawdown 2,000 troops by the end of this month and another 3000 by September in compliance with the UN Security Council Resolutions 2628 and 2670.
