Tuesday July 2, 2024 {HMC} The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) handed over Orhasan Forward Operating Base (FOB) to the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) in Beledweyne on Monday.
The base, which has been manned by ATMIS Djibouti National Defence Forces (DNDF) since 2012, is the fifth to be handed over as part of the Phase Three Drawdown of ATMIS Forces.
Orhasan Forward Operating Base (FOB) is a security buffer for Beletweyne Airport in northwest Somalia and provides safety and security to the local community from Al-Shabaab militants.
The handover ceremony was officiated by ATMIS Military Chief of Plans, Col. Alex Cann, and witnessed by senior ATMIS, SNA, and United Nations officials, including ATMIS Sector Four Commander, Col. Said Waberi, and SNAF representative, Major Ahmed Muhidin.
“I want to assure you that even as we hand over security responsibilities, ATMIS will continue to work with the Somali National Armed Forces to achieve security and stability. I would like to pay tribute to the gallant soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the fight against Al Shabaab and urge you to continue working collaboratively to restore peace and security in Somalia,” said Col. Cann, who represented the Acting ATMIS Force Commander.ATMIS Sector Four Commander, Col. Waberi, commended the outgoing Djibouti troops for their outstanding efforts towards security and stability in the Hiraan region and urged the incoming SNAF to protect the local population.
“I urge the Somali National Armed Forces to maintain this base while protecting civilians and securing Beletweyne town and its environs,” he said.
The SNAF representative, Major Muhidin, thanked the ATMIS troops for their dedication to bringing security to Somalia.
“We thank the Djibouti soldiers for their exemplary track record in supporting Somalia to achieve peace and stability. They paid the ultimate price for their Somali brothers,” he said.
The United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) at the handover event gifted the SNAF UN-owned equipment, including generators, refrigerators, and water storage tanks.
“We are here to provide logistical support to ensure that this base continues to operate. We are providing both camp utilities and life support facilities, ensuring that the physical infrastructure is human-friendly for the SNAF to take over,” said the UNSOS Chief of the Transition Planning Cell, Patrick Duah.
