Saturday December 16, 2023
African Union Casspir armored vehicles parked in Villa Somalia,Mogadishu. March 2011 (Photo by jason florio/Corbis via Getty Images)
Mogadishu (HOL) - Somalia's Presidential security forces and specially trained police units are preparing to assume control of the security at Villa Somalia, a role long held by the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). The transition, scheduled for Sunday, marks a significant milestone in Somalia's journey towards self-reliance in national security.
The transition aligns with a recent United Nations Security Council Resolution authorizing a phased withdrawal of ATMIS forces, set to be completed by the end of 2024. ATMIS, which replaced the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) in March 2022, has been instrumental in supporting the Somali government against threats, including Islamist militias.
Villa Somalia, the presidential complex in Mogadishu, housing the offices of the President, Prime Minister, and Parliament, has been under the protection of the African Union forces since 2007. At its peak, the ATMIS mission included around 20,000 troops. Its ongoing reduction and transfer of bases to Somali forces reflect the growing international confidence in Somalia's capability to manage its security affairs.
The recent lifting of the UN arms embargo on Somalia further bolsters this confidence. During Wednesday's Somalia Security Conference in New York, ATMIS leader Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef lauded this development as a crucial step in the country's quest for sustainable peace and security. The end of the arms embargo is anticipated to significantly enhance Somalia's military capabilities, vital for its ongoing struggle against al-Shabab militants.
Despite challenges, including earlier defeats against insurgents, the Somali government and its forces, supported by local clan militias, have been vital in regaining control of several areas.
The Joint Tripartite Committee, comprising ATMIS, the Somali government, and the UN, is tasked with ensuring a smooth transition.
As ATMIS continues securing key locations in Mogadishu, including the Aden Adde International Airport and the main port, the focus shifts to the readiness of Somalia's forces to maintain stability in these critical areas.