Mogadishu| On Sunday, an African Union (AU) delegation led by Gen. Cheikh Dembele, Head of the African Union Political Affairs Peace and Security, Peace Support Operations Division, paid a visit to the Forward Operating Base in Qoryooley, Lower Shabelle, Somalia.
He met with the UPDF Contingent Commander, Brigadier General Anthony Lukwago Mbuusi, and local leaders.
The purpose of the meeting was to assess the progress of the African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and discuss the planned troop withdrawal by December 2024.
Brig Gen Mbuusi briefed the delegation on the UPDF’s achievements, which included mentoring Somali National Security Forces, providing peace and security to locals, securing main supply routes, degrading Al-Shabaab, and assisting the community.
He also emphasised the difficulties faced by ATMIS troops, citing the need for Somali National Security Forces to take over security in areas where ATMIS has withdrawn.
He stressed the importance of consolidating gains and stabilising the Somali Federal Government.
Gen. Dembele assured the Somali people that there would be no security vacuum if ATMIS troops left Somalia and pledged his continued support for the Somali Federal Government.
The delegation also met with local leaders and community members, which helped to strengthen the African Union-Somalia partnership.
Local leaders expressed gratitude for ATMIS’ presence and requested that it continue until the Somali Federal Government has the capacity to take over security responsibility.
The Lower Shabelle Governor, Mohamed Ibrahim Barre, thanked UPDF and ATMIS forces for supporting medical care, security, and mentoring local forces.
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