The top officers of the US military and the senior commanders of the African Union mission in Somalia (ATMIS) discussed the security situation in Somalia before the withdrawal of the African Union troops from Somalia.
In a statement issued by ATMIS, he said that ATMIS Commander Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, Deputy Commander of the Army for Support and Logistics, Maj. Gen. Peter Kimani Muteti and other ATMIS officers met with Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, Commander of the Special Operations Forces of the US Army and Rear Admiral Jamie Sands, Commander of the US Navy’s Special Operations in Africa, especially ATMIS.
The commander of the ATMIS said that the discussions behind the closed doors focused on how to support the Federal Government of Somalia to ensure security and stability as the ATMIS forces are gradually withdrawing and handing over security responsibility.
“The United States is one of our international friends. They also added a lot of money to this operation, and we discussed important issues,” said Lt. Gen. Okiding after the meeting.
“We are in the process of transition. When ATMIS leaves, we should be proud of our brothers who are left to take control of the security of their country. That is our hope and prayer,” he added.
Rear Admiral Jamie Sands said that the meeting was to confirm the United States’ commitment to ATMIS cooperation and Somalia’s support in the fight against Al-Shabaab.
Over the years, the United States has provided security support, including logistics, and financial support to the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia.
