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The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has completed the transfer of 21 military bases to the Somali National Army (SNA), signifying the end of its troop withdrawal process. According to an official statement, the transition occurred in three phases, with the last base in Burgavo, Jubaland State, handed over recently.
Significance of Burgavo Base
Located 530 kilometers south of Mogadishu, the Burgavo base was under Kenyan army control. This advanced facility played a pivotal role in countering the Al-Shabaab insurgency and safeguarding key supply routes between Burgavo and Ras Kamboni.
Transition to a New AU Mission
The transfer of these bases comes as Somalia prepares for a new African Union-supported United Nations stabilization mission, set to begin in January 2025. This next phase aims to support Somalia in assuming full responsibility for its security amid ongoing challenges such as climate-related issues and inter-clan violence.
Challenges Facing Somalia
While this transfer is a milestone, Somalia continues to grapple with:
Clan Violence: Disputes over grazing lands in northern, central, and southern regions have led to significant displacement and unrest.
Climate Impacts: Erratic rainfall and prolonged droughts have compounded the hardships faced by Somali communities.
The United Nations has emphasized the need for sustained international support to address these intertwined challenges.
Way Forward
As Somalia transitions to a new phase of self-reliance, the nation faces a complex but critical path forward in securing lasting peace and stability. Central to this progress will be developing robust infrastructure to strengthen the Somali National Army’s (SNA) capacity to maintain security across regions previously under African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) control. Adequate logistics, supply chains, and operational bases must be prioritized to ensure the effectiveness of the newly inherited military assets.
Additionally, regional cooperation will be essential to Somalia’s success. Neighboring countries and international allies must continue their support in areas such as counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, and capacity building. Strengthening partnerships with the African Union, the United Nations, and other global entities will provide Somalia with the resources and expertise needed to address security threats, particularly from groups like Al-Shabaab.
Building resilience against insurgent threats is a long-term objective that extends beyond military measures. It requires investing in governance, socio-economic development, and reconciliation efforts to mitigate the root causes of instability, such as clan rivalries and resource scarcity. Implementing inclusive policies and fostering local governance systems can enhance trust between communities and the state.
Moreover, tackling climate-related challenges is critical, as recurring droughts and resource shortages exacerbate tensions and displacement. International aid and local programs must focus on sustainable development, water management, and agricultural resilience to break the cycle of poverty and violence.
While the transition from ATMIS symbolizes progress, sustained international and domestic efforts will determine whether Somalia can fully realize its goal of a secure, unified, and self-reliant future.