Jowhar 25, May 2023 – Senior Burundi military officials serving under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and leaders of Middle Shabelle held talks on securing main supply routes (MSR) in the region.
The meeting was convened, Wednesday, to take stock of the security gains and challenges in the second phase of operations against Al-Shabaab in Somalia’s southern region which is to be launched shortly.
Speaking in Jowhar ATMIS Sector 5 Deputy Commander, Col. Oscar Hatungimana, reaffirmed the Mission’s commitment to support Somali Security Forces secure main supply routes against attacks by Al-Shabaab and other armed groups and ensure free movement of goods and services.
“We discussed how to improve security in our area of responsibility (AOR). We also value the coordinated actions of Somali Security Forces and Burundi contingents in the Middle Shabelle region,” said Col. Hatungimana.
He pledged to strengthen relations between ATMIS Burundi forces and the administration of Middle Shabelle to help secure Hirshabelle State.
Sector 5 is strategically located and acts as a security buffer for Mogadishu against Al-Shabaab attacks and also plays a key role in securing main supply routes from the capital to other parts of the country.
“We agreed to strengthen the collaboration and speed up security operations aimed at thwarting the threats posed by the enemy and beef up the security of the road linking Jowhar town to the airfield and the other main supply routes around the region,” said Ahmed Meyre Makaran, the Governor of Middle Shabelle.
Speaking on behalf of the region’s leaders, Governor Makaran highlighted the need to prevent Al-Shabaab from interrupting the movement of civilians and security forces along major supply routes, adding that his administration is willing to collaborate with ATMIS troops to degrade the terror group.
Among the local leaders present were Hirshabelle Police Commander, Colonel Hassan Dhicisow Hasan; Jowhar District Commissioner, Osman Mohamud Mukhtar; Mayor of Jowhar, Mohamud Hassan Barise; and the Deputy Governor in charge of Finance, Muse Shatawe.