ATMIS, US army commanders meet ahead of troops’ drawdown

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) commanders met with their counterparts from the United States Army ahead of a planned drawdown of ATMIS troops set to commence this month.

ATMIS Force Commander Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding said the closed-door discussions focused on support to the Federal Government of Somalia to ensure security and stability as ATMIS forces gradually hand over security responsibilities to the Somali National Army (SNA).

“The U.S. is one of our international partners. They have also injected a lot of resources into this mission and we have discussed various issues about ensuring peace and stability in Somalia,” said Lt. Gen. Okiding after the meeting.

On his part, Rear Admiral Jamie Sands, the US Navy Commander of Special Operations Command Africa said the United States will continue to support peace efforts in Somalia as the country takes full responsibility for securing the country.

“We discussed the common security challenges posed by the Al-Shabaab militants and ways to counter this security threat. We also discussed ways to continually support Somalia to sustain the achievements by ATMIS,” he said.

The United States has over the years provided security assistance including logistical, and financial support to the African Union peacekeeping operations in Somalia.