AU Special Representative Visits Ceel Jaale to Assess Security, Operational Readiness

Continuing his field visits, the Head of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef, on Friday visited the Ceel Jaale Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Lower Shabelle region to assess the security situation and the operational readiness of AU troops.

Accompanied by ATMIS military Chief of Staff and other senior ATMIS officials, Ambassador Souef met with the troops, their commanders, and members of the local community and opened a free medical camp organised by ATMIS Uganda troops in partnership with Bancroft Global Development.

He thanked the community for the continued support to ATMIS and Somali National Army (SNA) and urged them to cooperate with the security personnel to ensure stability in the region.

“I urge you to continue supporting ATMIS troops as well as working closely with the security agencies by sharing credible intelligence to enable us to secure and protect you,” said Ambassador Souef. ATMIS military Chief of Staff, Brig. Gen. Kindu Gezu, further explained that “the visit was also to assess the security situation in the area, and the wellbeing of troops in the FOBs”.

The ATMIS Sector One Commander, Brig. Gen. Anthony Lukwago Mbuusi, was grateful for the cordial relations between the troops and the local community, contributing to peace and security in the area. “We commend the local community and troops for the cordial relations and support to our troops. We will continue to support the Federal Government of Somalia and the people in the fight against terrorism,” said Brig. Gen. Mbuusi.

The SNA commander in Ceel Jaale, Capt. Osman Ibrahim, appealed for continued ATMIS support in providing basic amenities to the local community, having been forced to flee their homes by Al-Shabaab. “The community have several problems including access to quality healthcare, especially pregnant women. They cannot travel to access healthcare in Mogadishu, due to security challenges. It is risky. We request you to assist in airlifting the sick and injured,” said the SNA commander.

Residents who accessed the free medical camp thanked ATMIS for their continuous support through various Civil-Military-Cooperation activities. They were treated for a range of health issues, including malaria, diarrhea, respiratory and throat infections, and various skin ailments.

“We have a very cordial and professional relationship with ATMIS. They provide us with medical support, education, and other services to the best of their ability whenever possible. Ceel Jaale is safe because of the cooperation between the Somali Security Forces and ATMIS,” said the Chief of Ceel Jaale, Sheikh Yusuf Osman Ali. Located south of the capital, Mogadishu, Ceel-Jaale is secured jointly by ATMIS Uganda troops and the Somali National Army (SNA).

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