Somali forces have officially taken over the security operations of the presidential palace and the federal parliament building in the capital city of Mogadishu from the African Union Mission in Somalia (Atmis) after a 16-year presence.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud commended the national army for assuming the crucial responsibility of safeguarding the country’s top leadership.
He expressed his confidence in the “recovery of the capacity and power” of the Somali military, emphasizing the nation’s strides toward self-sufficiency in maintaining internal security. The state-owned Sonna news agency reported President Mohamud’s praise for the armed forces, underscoring the significance of this transition.
This handover is part of a broader strategy as Somali forces gradually take on the responsibilities for the nation’s security. Atmis troops, which have been actively engaged in fighting against the militant group al-Shabab and protecting key government installations since 2007, are now in the process of withdrawal. The move signals a major milestone in Somalia’s quest for autonomy and control over its security apparatus.
President Mohamud’s acknowledgement of the national army’s capabilities reflects the government’s increasing confidence in the military’s ability to safeguard critical institutions independently. The transition is seen as a positive step towards consolidating Somalia’s sovereignty and reducing its dependence on external security forces.
Atmis, consisting of around 17,000 AU peacekeepers, is expected to complete its exit from the Horn of Africa nation by the end of the next year. The gradual withdrawal of Atmis troops and the subsequent handover of security responsibilities to Somali forces mark a turning point in the nation’s post-conflict recovery efforts.
While challenges persist, including the continued threat posed by al-Shabab, the Somali government remains optimistic about its military’s capacity to address these challenges and maintain stability.
