Degrading Al Shabaab and enhancing the aptitude of the Somali Safety Forces (SSF) are prime priorities for the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in 2024.
These New Yr challenges have been laid out by ATMIS Drive Commander Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding and ATMIS Police Commissioner, CP Hillary Sao Kanu in respective end-of-year messages.
“Our main process subsequent yr would be the degradation of Al Shabaab. Al Shabaab should be defeated in order that the individuals of Somalia can stay in peace and concord,” the ATMIS Drive Commander declared.
To assist obtain these goals, a convention bringing collectively all ATMIS sector commanders can be held in Mogadishu to refine the present Idea of Operations (CONOPS) to successfully counter Al Shabaab’s asymmetrical warfare.
The Police Commissioner highlighted that the police part would deal with imparting specialist abilities to the SPF and enhancing community-based initiatives.
“Within the new yr, we’re going to streamline our coaching on neighborhood policing, investigative abilities, combating monetary crimes, cash laundering, trafficking and public order administration,” said CP Kanu.
She famous that neighborhood policing had confirmed to achieve success in fostering cooperation between safety forces and residents, strengthening the battle towards Al Shabaab.
“Group coverage has strengthened cooperation between safety forces and the residents. That is vital as a result of we want whole cooperation of neighborhood members within the battle towards Al Shabaab,” added CP Kanu
Reviewing the achievements of 2023, Lt. Gen. Okiding pointed to the completion of 236 army operations, with 41 % performed collectively with the Somali Safety Forces (SSF).
The operations he famous have been instrumental in securing inhabitants centres, safeguarding important provide routes, liberating key cities and villages akin to Farqalaal, Gadaan and Cali Fooldheere Forest and facilitating the distribution of humanitarian support to distressed communities.
“You will need to be aware that ATMIS additionally collaborated with Somali Safety Forces (SSF) in driving out Al Shabab in areas like Jubaland, Galmudug, Center Shabelle and Decrease Shabelle,” added Lt. Gen. Okiding.
The Drive Commander disclosed that ATMIS will intensify its mentorship programme for the Somali Nationwide Military (SNA) personnel and often advise the federal government on functionality improvement to make sure resilience of the forces left behind.
The Drive Commander additionally singled out the profitable conclusion of the primary part of ATMIS troops drawdown in June and the consolidation of features made underneath the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), the precursor to ATMIS, as one of many main achievements.
“All year long our focus has been the switch of safety obligations to the Federal Authorities of Somalia and we efficiently concluded part one among ATMIS troops drawdown,” he noticed.
Different actions performed by the army part included the availability of fresh water to native communities, medical care and outpatient companies, meals donations and infrastructural improvement.
CP Kanu highlighted the numerous achievements of the ATMIS Police part when it comes to coaching and offering operational help to the Somali Police Drive (SPF).
“We (ATMIS Police part) performed quite a few joint patrols along with the SPF and we additionally deployed our officers to safe completely different authorities installations, particularly the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Justice, and likewise at Normal Kahiye Police Academy,” she defined.
Lt. Gen Okiding and CP Kanu, praised the dedication of troops and cops serving with the Mission, urging them to stay vigilant and keep away from complacency.
“Our officers ought to stay vigilant within the new yr and keep away from pointless errors that give Al Shabaab a bonus,” mentioned the Drive Commander, whereas urging Somalis to foster and embrace unity within the New Yr.
Concurring with Lt. Gen. Okiding’s sentiments, CP Kanu urged the residents to selflessly guard nationwide unity even after ATMIS’s departure.
“My message to the individuals of Somalia is about unity and making certain that they work collectively to achieve peace that we now have all been combating for,” added the Police Commissioner.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
