The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) handed over the Abdalla Birole base to the Somali Armed Forces on Friday. The base had been managed by the Kenyan Defense Forces and is the fourth base to be transferred as part of the third phase of the withdrawal.
The Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia, Sioufi Bam, led the handover ceremony, reaffirming the African Union’s commitment to Somalia and its support for the Somali-led peace and security process.
The Abdalla Birole base is located 52 km southwest of the coastal city of Kismayo and serves as a strategic security barrier for Kismayo International Airport. It also protects key supply routes connecting Buula Xajji and Kismayo.
The withdrawal operation is part of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2741 of 2024, which mandates the withdrawal of 2,000 troops from Somalia, followed by another 2,000 by the end of September as part of the third phase of the withdrawal.
ATMIS, established to support the Somali government in stabilizing the country, has been instrumental in reducing the influence of militant groups like Al-Shabaab. The mission, involving troops from various African countries, aims to create a secure environment for Somalia’s political and socio-economic development.
The Abdalla Birole base’s location near Kismayo makes it crucial for maintaining security in southern Somalia. Its proximity to Kismayo International Airport and key supply routes highlights its strategic importance in ensuring the safe movement of goods and people, vital for both local and international operations in the region.
Resolution 2741, passed in 2024, outlines a structured withdrawal of African Union troops from Somalia. This resolution is part of a broader strategy to transition security responsibilities to the Somali Armed Forces, enhancing their capability to maintain peace and security independently.
