MOGADISHU (SD) -The African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has announced that they have handed over several military bases to the Somali government, marking the completion of the second phase of the withdrawal of ATMIS forces.

Alhaji Sarjoh Bah, the Director of Political, Peace, and Security Affairs at the African Union Commission, who spoke at a ceremony held in Mogadishu to mark the occasion, underlined that this withdrawal is a significant sign of Somalia’s positive progress.

He stated that the Somali security forces have demonstrated determination and capability in countering Al-Shabaab, contributing to the stability and security of the region.

He also highlighted the substantial efforts made by the joint ATMIS, Somali government, and UN Support Office in Somalia in achieving this milestone.

He noted that the African Union strongly supports the implementation of the Somali Security Architecture, recently endorsed in New York, which is integral to Somalia’s progress and development.