Tuesday July 2, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) - The African Union Transition Mission in
Somalia (ATMIS) handed over Orhasan Forward Operating Base (FOB) to the Somali
National Armed Forces (SNAF) in Beledweyne on Monday.
The base, which has been manned by ATMIS Djibouti National
Defence Forces (DNDF) since 2012, is the fifth to be handed over as part of the
Phase Three Drawdown of ATMIS Forces.
Orhasan Forward Operating Base (FOB) is a security buffer
for Beletweyne Airport in northwest Somalia and provides safety and security to
the local community from Al-Shabaab militants.
The handover ceremony was officiated by ATMIS Military Chief
of Plans, Col. Alex Cann, and witnessed by senior ATMIS, SNA, and United
Nations officials, including ATMIS Sector Four Commander, Col. Said Waberi, and
SNAF representative, Major Ahmed Muhidin.
“I want to assure you that even as we hand over security
responsibilities, ATMIS will continue to work with the Somali National Armed
Forces to achieve security and stability. I would like to pay tribute to the
gallant soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the fight against Al Shabaab and
urge you to continue working collaboratively to restore peace and security in
Somalia,” said Col. Cann, who represented the Acting ATMIS Force
Commander.ATMIS Sector Four Commander, Col. Waberi, commended the outgoing Djibouti
troops for their outstanding efforts towards security and stability in the
Hiraan region and urged the incoming SNAF to protect the local population.
“I urge the Somali National Armed Forces to maintain this
base while protecting civilians and securing Beletweyne town and its environs,”
he said.
The SNAF representative, Major Muhidin, thanked the ATMIS
troops for their dedication to bringing security to Somalia.
“We thank the Djibouti soldiers for their exemplary track
record in supporting Somalia to achieve peace and stability. They paid the
ultimate price for their Somali brothers,” he said.
The United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) at the
handover event gifted the SNAF UN-owned equipment, including generators,
refrigerators, and water storage tanks.
“We are here to provide logistical support to ensure that
this base continues to operate. We are providing both camp utilities and life
support facilities, ensuring that the physical infrastructure is human-friendly
for the SNAF to take over,” said the UNSOS Chief of the Transition Planning
Cell, Patrick Duah.