Today marks a significant milestone for Somalia as the Somali National Army assumed full security control of the Presidential Palace and the Federal Parliament, bringing an end to the 16-year presence of the African Union Transitional Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
At the handover ceremony held at Villa Somalia, key figures, including Somali National Army Commander General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhidiin, Presidential Palace Chief of Staff Abdihakim Mohamed Yusuf, and representatives from the African Union and the United Nations, gathered to witness the historic moment.
President Mohamud commended the 77th Brigade of the National Army for taking over security responsibilities, emphasising that this move signifies the recovery of the Somali National Armed Forces’ capacity and strength.
General Muhidiin expressed gratitude to AMISOM commanders and soldiers who have supported the security of the country’s leadership over the years during his visit to the troops guarding the Presidential Palace.
ATMIS, present in Somalia since 2007 to assist the government in combating the militant group Al-Shabaab and restoring stability, has been gradually reducing its troop presence. This transition aligns with the plan agreed upon in 2017, where security responsibilities are transferred to Somali security forces.
The handover of the Presidential Palace signifies the completion of this transition process and the full assumption of security responsibilities by the Somali National Army. An ATMIS spokesperson stated that the mission will continue providing training, mentoring, and logistical support to Somali security forces until its mandate expires in 2024.
