Kismayo(Mogadishu24)-The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has successfully concluded Phase Three of its drawdown, transferring control of the Burgabo Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Jubaland State to the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF).

This marks a pivotal step in Somalia’s journey toward assuming full security responsibilities.

The Burgabo FOB, located 530 kilometers from Mogadishu on Somalia’s southern coast, has been a critical hub in countering Al-Shabaab’s influence and securing the strategic Burgabo-Ras Kamboni Main Supply Route.

The handover ceremony included representatives from ATMIS, SNAF, Jubaland State, and the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS).

“This significant event demonstrates the growing capacity and dedication of the Somali Security Forces to take over security responsibilities, with support from ATMIS, UNSOS, and other partners,” said Col. Suleiman Ibrahim from ATMIS Force Headquarters.

The Federal Government of Somalia emphasized its readiness to defend its territory. “It is now time for Somalis to take charge of their own security. We are ready to take over this base and maintain its security,” said Badhadhe District Commissioner, Gen. Mohamed Ibrahim Farah.

ATMIS troops, alongside Somali forces, liberated Burgabo from Al-Shabaab in 2011, significantly weakening the group’s regional operations. UNSOS has also provided equipment, including generators and refrigerators, to ensure operational continuity.

Since 2023, ATMIS has handed over 21 military bases and withdrawn 9,000 troops as part of a phased drawdown.

Somalia is set to fully assume security responsibilities by December 2024. A new African Union mission with a reduced troop presence is expected, potentially including Egyptian forces to replace Ethiopian troops, amid ongoing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia over the Somaliland port deal.