The Somali army announced on Thursday that it has officially taken control of a military base in the Lower Juba region from the African Union Transitional Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
This handover marks a significant milestone in the ongoing transition of security responsibilities from African Union forces to the Somali military.
According to the Somali National News Agency (SONNA), the transfer is part of the third phase of reducing the presence of African Union troops in the country.
Somali Defense Minister Abdulkadir Nur emphasized that this event represents a historic step towards the country taking full responsibility for its own security.
He reiterated the Ministry of Defense’s commitment to assuming full control over national security as part of its broader strategy.
The handover of the base comes as Somalia embarks on its newly launched National Transformation Plan for 2025-2029, which was introduced by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud earlier this week.
This strategic initiative is part of the government’s efforts to enhance sustainable development and establish a comprehensive vision for the country’s future.
The transition of military responsibilities to Somali forces is seen as a crucial step in the nation’s journey toward stability. For years, the African Union has played a vital role in supporting Somalia’s fight against extremist groups, particularly Al-Shabaab.
However, with the phased withdrawal of African Union troops, the Somali government is moving towards self-reliance in securing its territories.
