This brings the total number of military bases handed over by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Burundi National Defence Forces (BNDF), which are operating under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), to four.
The bases that were turned over on Tuesday include Cadale in the Hirshabelle State, which the BNDF had been using, and Albao in the Southwest State, which the UPDF had been in charge of.
At an event attended by top military and civilian representatives from ATMIS and SNA, Brig. Gen. Jean Claude Niyiburana, commander of the ATMIS Burundi detachment, turned over the base to Col. Saney Abdulle, Brigade Commander of the SNA in Cadale.
Brig. Gen. Niyiburana advised the Somali security forces assuming control of the area to continue to be vigilant and battle against Al-Shabaab in order to protect the local populace.
“You are more familiar with this region, and Al-Shabaab continues to target Somali security forces and ATMIS personnel everywhere. Keep an eye out because the adversary never sleeps,” warned Brig. Gen. Niyiburana.
Col. Saney, the commander of the Somali National Army Brigade in Cadale, thanked the ATMIS forces for their assistance and told them that the Somali forces were prepared to secure the nation and defeat Al-Shabaab.
“SNA will take control of the bases, safeguard the entire nation, and fight terrorists from Al-Shabaab who continue to kill Somali citizens. We have made strides in our fight against Al-Shabaab, and we'll keep going until we succeed,” declared Col. Saney.
Lt. Col. Steven Kashagama, the FOB's ATMIS commander, turned over leadership to Capt. Mohamed Somali of the SNA at the Albao FOB in the Southwest State.
In order to protect the populace and defend the region from Al-Shabaab, Lt. Col. Kashagama voiced trust in the Somali National Army.
“We are giving the Somali security forces control of Albao and the surrounding territories' security. In the little time I have known them, they have exuded charisma, vigour, and fortitude. They are certainly prepared to protect the populace,” he said.
Col. Milton Katarinyeba, the military chief of operations for ATMIS, urged the Somali security forces to defend the locals from Al-Shabaab attacks while he was in Cadale.
In accordance with UN Security Council Resolutions 2628 (22) and 2670 (22), which call for ATMIS to gradually hand over security responsibilities to the Somali security forces, ATMIS is withdrawing 2,000 personnel by the end of June 2023.
Xaaji Caali and Mirtuquo are the other two FOBs that have already been turned over to the SNA.