The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) serving under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has handed over Villa Somalia (State House) and Parliament security responsibility to Somalia Security Forces.
This is after 16 years of providing the protection duties.
The grand ceremony took place at Villa Somalia in the presence of United Nations representatives, Officials from Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), and ATMIS.
The National Security Advisor to the president Hussein Sheikh Ali Maalim welcomed the dignitaries, noting that the handover of the two vital installations is a significant milestone not only to the Federal government of Somalia but also to the people of Somalia.
He elaborated that the government is sending a big message to the public that it is capable of taking charge of Somali security and people are gaining confidence that they are being protected by their own government.
“This is a historical day, the takeover of these vital installations is a testimony by the government to the public who are now seeing Somalia government as being serious in protecting their own. It is a milestone not because AMISOM is leaving but it shows government is serious in protecting its citizens,” explained Hussein Maalim.
The Chief of Staff office of the president Abdihakim Mohamed Yusuf reminisced the sacrifice from the brothers and sisters of all troop contributing countries who have helped in rebuilding Somalia.
He acknowledged that Somalia is fighting the most sophisticated terror group in the world – Al Shabaab.
“The fact that we are taking over security responsibility of these vital installations, shows that we are defeating them. We are now fighting Al-Shabaab 500 to 800 kilometers away from Mogadishu. We shall forever remain grateful to your sacrifice. Our cooperation and partnership will not end here but this is the beginning. Thank you troop contributing countries particularly Ugandan forces who have been here for the last 16 years. We share this bond and we will remain grateful,” Abdihakim said.
The Special Representative of the Chairperson of African Union Commission and Head of ATMIS, Mohamed Al-Amine Seouf, noted that the handover of State House and Parliament security was a significant step in the resumption of ATMIS drawdown of phase two.
He stated that the handover of the two state institutions were previously central at ATMIS mandate which now becomes a critical move in the transition process.
“We are now fulfilling the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2710 (2023) mandated to reduce troop presence of 3000 by December 2023, adding that this will contribute to the ongoing Somalia security transition plan.”
Meanwhile, the Sector One commander Brig Gen Peter Gaetano Omola said that sector one is greatly honoured and privileged to handover the most vital installations which they have fervently been protecting for the last 16 years.
He enumerated UPDF successful operations right from March 2007, which include dislodging Al-Shabaab in various locations to protecting vital installations, and providing VVIPs protection, among others.
“We have diligently and proudly offered VVIPs security protection to five Presidents, entire state house staff and to some extent the presidents of the Federal Member States,” said Brig Gen Omola.
He reported that Somalia Security Forces (SSF) are effectively manning the Forward Operating Bases that were handed over in phase one ATMIS drawdown.
This, he said is a testimony for the continued confidence that the SSF will be in position to take over security responsibility of their country.
He appreciated the Somalian head of state for the confidence, trust, cooperation and commitment and guidance extended to UPDF from time to time.
Other dignitaries who witnessed the handover included Catriona Laing United Nations Special Representative, Lt Gen Sam Okiding ATMIS Force Commander, Qurat Sadozal Officer in charge of UNSOS, Col George Nkasah Chief Plans Officer, among others
