Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-The Minister of Internal Security of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Mohamed Ahmed Ali Dodisho, has clarified Somalia’s position against any extension of the African Transition Mission (ATMIS) Forces’ mandate, stating that the federal government will abide by the existing agreement and reject any potential extension.

Speaking at an event organized by the Somali community in Ohio on Sunday, the minister reiterated the commitment to ensuring the Somali military takes full control of its territory in whichever circumstances.

“Somali government is in the process of preparing to regain control of the country and take over the responsibilities of AMISOM, which currently holds control over certain areas. They are expected to depart by December 2024,” stated Mr. Dodishe, the Federal Minister of Internal Security.

Minister Doodishe also pointed out that the process of transferring control had already commenced in June of this year, with the withdrawal of 2000 soldiers in the first phase of the ATMIS Drawdown.

He also stated that pllans are in place to withdraw an additional 3000 soldiers in September, aimed at facilitating the progressive handover of responsibility for the entire Somali territory to national forces.

This comes a week after the minister reiterated the government’s commitment in ongoing phase two of the war against Al-Shabaab and revealed that 15’000 soldiers of the National Army forces will take part in this offensive war.

On 27th June, the UN Security Council has unanimously granted approval for the phase withdrawal of ATMIS troops from Somalia, while adopting a resolution extending its mandate by six months until December.

“The Security Council today unanimously adopted a resolution extending by six months until December the mandate for the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), in support of the Government’s preparation for phase two and the Mission’s troop drawdown,” UN’s statement reads.

African Transition Mission in Somalia is expected to be redeployed its troops from Somali by December 2024, as agreed in the UN Security Council Resolutions.

The President of Somalia has earlier stated that the federal government is planning to bid farewell to the last ATMIS soldier on the agreed time.

“As we express our appreciation, we want to emphasize that we are now taking responsibility for our own security. We bid them farewell, presenting them with flowers as a token of our gratitude for their invaluable contributions. By December 31st, 2024, we aim to bid farewell to the last ATMIS soldier,” President Hassan said.

“We have already assumed control of the initial bases, and by September, we will take control of additional bases. Next year, we will continue to take over all remaining bases until December, when we will finally take control of the last one,” the President added.