President Mohamud Confident of SNA Capability to Secure Country

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has expressed confidence in the Somali Security Forces to take charge of the country’s security especially major installations such as the presidential palace and parliament buildings.

Speaking during a town hall forum Wednesday night, the President said he was ‘proud’ of the country’s security forces noting they were capable of taking over from African Union troops who have been in the country since 2007.

The president spoke during a public meeting at the town hall in Mogadishu organized by the Minbar Space Initiative, where he answered questions on various issues related to the Federal Government of Somalia’s achievements in 2023.

“I am proud of our brave soldiers who have sacrificed their lives to defend our nation and our people. They have shown professionalism, discipline, and loyalty in the face of many challenges and threats. They deserve our respect and gratitude,” the president said.

The head of state said he was ‘lucky’ to be the first President in post-war Somalia to be protected exclusively by the national forces. This followed the handover of two Forward Operating Bases (FoB) located within Villa Somalia and Parliament Buildings by ATMIS soldiers mid-this month.

The town hall meeting, which was broadcast live on social media, covered topics such as the security situation, the economic recovery, the constitutional review, regional cooperation, and the upcoming elections.

He also thanked the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) for their sacrifices and support to the Somali National Army.

ATMIS soldiers are gradually exiting the country ahead of the December 2024 deadline when they will all leave the country in line with the UN Security Council’s dictates.