The Kenyan forces that are part of the African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) have officially handed over the Burgaabo Base in the Lower Jubba region to the Somali National Army (SNA) and Jubbaland.
This transfer was part of a strategy to gradually reduce the presence of African Union troops in Somalia, which will enable the Somali government to fully take over the responsibility of national security.
The reduction of ATMIS forces, which is a central issue of the broader agreement to strengthen the armed forces of Somalia, is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
This transfer is said to be an important step in the preparation of Somali forces to lead the defense of their country.
Somalia wants self-sufficiency in terms of security, although the United Nations and the African Union are warning about the threat of the Al-Shabaab group, which still has significant power in southern and central Somalia.
