Regional States Supports Somalia’s Proposal to Halt ATMIS Troops Drawdown

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Regional states that contribute troops to the African Transitional Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) have supported Somalia’s proposal to delay the drawdown exercise for three months.

The countries, including; Kenya, Uganda, Burundi and Ethiopia say they will support the move to delay the withdrawal of up to 3000 ATMIS troops from the country by end of September, due to technical reasons.

In a letter to the United Nation’s Security Council (UNSC) the countries praised Somalia’s efforts in its war against the Al-shabaab militants which has sen most parts of the country liberated.

The Federal Government of Somalia made the request saying the current security situation in the country still needs the support of the ATMIS troops to stabilize some parts of the country.

ATMIS forces supports the Federal Government in security operations and the fight against Al Shabaab, although in recent times it has not played any significant role in the war effort to remove Al Shabaab from the areas where they are previously occupied.