AU Transition Mission Hands Over Ceel Eglow Military Base to Somali Army

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) on Monday officially handed over the Ceel Eglow military base, located in the Middle Shabelle region, to the Somali National Army (SNA).

This marks a significant milestone as ATMIS continues to withdraw its troops from the country. The Ceel Eglow base is the third to be transferred in Phase Three of the ATMIS troops drawdown.

ATMIS Sector Five Commander Oscal Hatungimana praised the collaborative efforts of the two allied forces, local residents, and international partners in weakening the Al Shabaab extremist group, which has been engaging the government in attacks.

The strategic Ceel Eglow base, previously manned by Burundi troops since 2019, plays a crucial role in protecting the main supply routes between Mogadishu and Jowhar, as well as surrounding areas.

These routes are essential for military operations and humanitarian activities.

The third phase of the ATMIS drawdown is in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2628 (2022), 2670 (2022), and 2710 (2023), which mandate ATMIS to withdraw 4,000 troops by the end of June.

The drawdown is proceeding as the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) has advocated for a phased approach to the withdrawal of peacekeepers from Somalia to avoid a potential security vacuum.

In May, Somalia requested a phased approach to the Phase 3 drawdown of ATMIS, which would enable Mogadishu to retain half of the troops initially expected to withdraw by the end of June. The AUPSC has strongly supported this request.”