African Union Mulls Follow-Up Mission in Somalia after ATMIS Exit

GOOBJOOG NEWS | DHOBLEY: The African Union Special Representative for Somalia, Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef has said that the AU is considering a follow-up mission to replace the African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) which is exiting by December.

“Somalia’s formal request for a follow-on mission underscores the need for continued international support in stabilizing the region,” said Ambassador Souef in his address to the ATMIS Kenya contingent troops in Dhobley.

ATMIS is preparing for the drawdown of an additional 4000 troops from Somalia.

The AU Mission withdrew 5000 troops in phase one and phase two concluded in June and December last year.

Ambassador Souef commended the KDF troops for their dedication to implementing the ATMIS mandate and urged them to remain vigilant against Al-Shabaab.

He also praised them for preparing the Somali Security Forces to take over security responsibilities from ATMIS.

“We are proud of the good work that you are doing in degrading Al-Shabaab. I commend you for the sacrifice and professionalism which has and continues the march towards realization of peace and stability in Somalia,” noted Ambassador Souef.

Ambassador Souef’s delegation included the Deputy Force Commander responsible for Support and Logistics, Major General Peter Kimani Muteti, and ATMIS Police Commissioner, CP Hillary Sao Kanu.

During the visit, the delegation was also briefed on a medical training programme initiated by the ATMIS Kenya contingent to train and mentor Somali health workers.

The initiative aims to build the capacity of health workers at the Dhobley General Hospital in midwifery, operating room and surgical procedures, alongside other essential healthcare protocols.

The sector commander conducted the delegation on a tour of the ATMIS base, including the Level Two Hospital in Dhobley.

The Sector Two Area of Responsibility (AoR) covering Middle and Lower Jubaland is manned by ATMIS Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops.