The Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) have officially taken control of 21 military bases across several parts of the country.
Military bases in HirShabelle, Southwest, Jubbaland, and the Benadir region, are now in the hands of the army.
The handing over of the based completes the three-phase drawdown of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
This transition involved the withdrawal of 9,000 ATMIS troops, representing a significant step toward Somalia’s goal of assuming full responsibility for its national security.
The drawdown underscores the SNA’s growing capability to maintain security and counter threats independently.
While the withdrawal aligns with Somalia’s national security roadmap, challenges remain in ensuring stability and combating insurgent threats like Al-Shabaab.
The successful handover of these bases signals a pivotal moment in Somalia’s journey toward sovereignty and self-reliance in security matters.