Mogadishu September 17, 2023 (SD) – The ATMIS (African Union Mission for the Support of Somalia) forces have today commenced the Second Phase of the withdrawal of troops from Somalia.

ATMIS has handed over a base in Biyo Adde district in the Middle Shabelle region, which will accommodate the Somali National Army forces and was previously under the control of Burundian Defense Forces.

The Commander of ATMIS troops at the Biyo Adde base, Lt. Col. Philip Butoyi, officially handed over the base to Maj. Muhudiin Ahmed, a member of the Somali National Army.

The first phase of the withdrawal was concluded in June, during which ATMIS withdrew 2000 troops and handed over six bases previously held, in line with United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2628 and 2670 (2022).

In close cooperation with the United Nations and the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), ATMIS previously conducted a comprehensive assessment for the first phase, and now plans to withdraw an additional 3000 troops from the country by the end of September, as per UNSC Resolution 2687.