Tuesday November 26, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali government deployed troops to Raskambooni in the Lower Juba region on Monday as part of its ongoing military operation against al-Shabab and preparations to assume security responsibilities from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
The commander of the Somali National Army’s (SNA) 18th Battalion of Special Forces, Lieutenant Colonel Hassan Iraqi, stated that the deployment aims to secure areas previously held by ATMIS forces, particularly Kenyan contingents.
“The forces are tasked with taking over all areas vacated by ATMIS. We have a responsibility to ensure security across the country and must expel al-Shabab,” Iraqi told state media.
The deployment aligns with Somalia’s national strategic efforts to transition to a third peace support mission. The African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is scheduled to replace ATMIS on January 1, 2025, continuing efforts to stabilize the country.
The troop arrival in Raskambooni coincided with the re-election of Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe as Jubbaland President for a third term, which has exacerbated political tensions between the federal government and Madobe. The federal government has openly criticized Madobe’s re-election, labelling it unconstitutional, as it advocates for unified national elections and governance.