The water projects are part of the ongoing ATMIS Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiative, which aims to improve access to clean potable water for Somali Police Force officers and local communities. 

The handover ceremonies took place at separate events led by the ATMIS Police Commissioner, (AIGP) Hillary Sao Kanu, and her deputy (CP) Martin Amoru. 

At the Jowhar Airfield Police Station in Hirshabelle State, AIGP Kanu emphasized the significance of the projects: “This water project is important because it will not only serve the police officers or security personnel in this area but also the nearby community, especially the IDP camp.” 

CP Amoru echoed similar sentiments during the ceremony in Baidoa, stating, “These projects are beneficial for the Somali Police Force (SPF) officers as they will enable them perform their duties more efficiently. Water is life, and officers will have it available right where they are instead of having to go far to find it.” 

At both events, local police officers also received modern office equipment to enhance service delivery in their areas. 

AIGP Kanu and CP Amoru expressed gratitude to the government of Kazakhstan for sponsoring the water projects and to the government of Japan for funding the office furniture. 

They noted that each water project, equipped with an elevated storage tank with a capacity of 10,000 liters, will strengthen cooperation between the SPF and local communities, who are the intended beneficiaries. 

“We are appealing for more projects to be constructed in the nearby IDP camps and communities to help alleviate the suffering of the inhabitants,” said AIGP Kanu, urging the officers to take proper care and make good use of the office equipment. 

ATMIS Civil Engineer Andrew Alele noted that the Baidoa water project intended to serve the local community, including the internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the neighbouring Hannan and Towfiq camps, has met all necessary safety standards. 

“The project has passed the water quality analysis test for biological, physical, and chemical parameters, conducted by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of South West State, in accordance with World Health Organization safety standards,” said Engineer Alele. 

The Director General (DG) of the Hirshabelle Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, Mohamed Musa, described the project as a sustainable solution to the persistent water shortages experienced in the area. 

“This project will address the community’s water needs, and we hope it will contribute significantly to our efforts in finding durable solutions. We are grateful to ATMIS and its donors for their unwavering support,” he said. 

The Hirshabelle Traffic Police Commander, Lt. Col. Hassan Daud Mohamed, praised ATMIS for its timely support and commitment to stabilizing Somalia. 

“We have received much-needed office equipment from ATMIS, and we appreciate the initiative from our brothers. We request ATMIS to continue supporting us with essential materials that are vital for the police’s functioning,” said Lt. Col. Hassan. 

Similarly in Baidoa, the Bay Regional Police Commander, Colonel Amin Mohamed Osman, commended the strong relationship between SPF and ATMIS, expressing gratitude for the two handed-over projects. 

“The office equipment and furniture will greatly assist the Somali Police Force in providing essential policing services to the community. We are grateful to ATMIS for always supporting the people of Somalia and the Somali Police Force,” he noted. 

In August, ATMIS launched the construction of three solar-powered water projects in Baidoa, Kismayo, and Jowhar. The handover events in Baidoa and Jowhar were attended by senior ATMIS military and police officers, UN personnel, and top officials from Hirshabelle and South West State. 

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The officers, who have completed their tour of duty, were awarded the prestigious AU medals, pins of gallantry, and certificates of appreciation for their unwavering service in various capacities, including planning, mentoring, operations, logistics, medical support, and communication. 

“Through your efforts, we have witnessed significant milestones achieved in the fight against terrorism, the strengthening of Somali institutions, and the stabilization of communities once torn apart by conflict,“ said the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef, at a farewell ceremony in Mogadishu on Saturday. 

“Your presence has provided hope to millions and demonstrated the power of collective action in addressing some of the most complex challenges facing our continent,” added Ambassador Souef, who is also the Head of ATMIS. 

He commended the officers for their sacrifices and professionalism in advancing the mission’s mandate and spearheading a Somali-led transition process, which included the handover of strategic Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in various sectors. 

“You came to Somalia to contribute to peace, stability, and the eventual transfer of security responsibilities to the Somali people. You leave behind a legacy of service and sacrifice that will inspire those who continue this journey,” he noted. 

Ambassador Souef expressed gratitude to the African Union, Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs), and partners for their collaborative efforts and solid partnership in supporting the peacekeeping mission. 

Among the senior leadership awarded were Deputy Force Commander in Charge of Operations and Plans, Maj. Gen. Marius Ngendabanka; Deputy Force Commander in Charge of Support and Logistics, Maj. Gen. Peter Muteti; and Military Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Kindu Gezu Tegegn. 

“I am pleased to say that you have continually served with unstinted resilience and unwavering mettle in ATMIS, helping restore order amid unpredictable security situation in Mogadishu and across all sectors, which has provided commendable influence on ATMIS operations,” Maj. Gen. Ngendabanka told the officers. 

He recognized their professionalism and dedication to supporting peace initiatives in Somalia while paying tribute to the fallen soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country’s peace and security. 

In his remarks, Brig. Gen. Gezu emphasized that the officers’ exemplary service significantly impacted the mission mandate and peacebuilding efforts in Somalia. 

“This medal parade is not just a ceremony; it represents profound recognition of your contributions to the noble goal of sustainable peace and security in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa. Each of us has played a pivotal role in advancing the African Union’s mission to stabilize Somalia, strengthen its institutions, and create conditions for long-term development and peace,” said Brig. Gen. Gezu. 

One of the most notable accomplishments of the officers was overseeing the successful drawdown of ATMIS troops and the subsequent handover of strategic frontline Forward Operating Bases (FOB) to the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) in November. 

The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, including representatives of TCCs, ambassadors accredited to Somalia, ATMIS Police Commissioner (AIGP) Hillary Sao Kanu, Sector Commanders, and other ATMIS and United Nations officials. 

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The two officials led a joint delegation from ATMIS and the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) on a three-day visit, last week, to the European Commission in Brussels to discuss the progress and challenges of implementing the EU-backed Somalia Transition Plan. 

They outlined how Somalia has made significant strides in peace and security, arms control, the fight against terrorism, the promotion of human rights, and national transformation and governance. 

Of key importance, they said, was the commitment by the Federal Government of Somalia to promote reconciliation, stabilization, judicial reforms, and ensure citizen participation in elections under universal adult suffrage. 

The delegation also briefed the EU officials on the offensive operations against the Al-Shabaab terrorist group, the upcoming drawdown of troops serving with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and its complete exit by December 2024. 

“We are talking about handing over security responsibilities to Somalis and taking over from ATMIS. This process will be in phases because we don’t want a catastrophic exit. We want things to go smoothly,” said Amb. Souef adding: “the plan is ongoing, by June, we will withdraw 2,000. The objective is for ATMIS to exit Somalia by December 2024.” 

“This requires effort and coordination, not just between the FGS and ATMIS, but also with other partners such as the EU and UN. The EU provides financial support for this mission. We are grateful and thank the member states and the Commission for this generosity to support peace and security in Somalia and Africa at large,” said Amb. Souef. 

Somalia’s security chief Hussein Sheikh Ali noted that with the support of the African Union troops, the Somali Security Forces have made considerable progress to secure the country and built adequate capacity to conduct offensive operations. Amb. Souef confirmed the country was on course to meet the exit date in line with UN Security Council resolutions 2628 and 2670. 

“We have 18 months to defeat Al-Shabaab and complete the ATMIS drawdown. Overall, we are on track to transition from ATMIS to Somali Security Forces,” he said noting that, “for Somalia to achieve that, we are reforming and rebuilding our security forces – the military, police, intelligence services and the custodial corps. These are the four security apparatus that are constitutionally accepted, and we are reforming them under the National Security Architecture, which is a political agreement on security,” said the National Security Advisor. 

The delegation also held meetings with officials from the Council of EU-Africa Working Party, the Managing Director of the European External Action Service (EEAS), Rita Laranjinha, officials from the Military Planning Conduct and Capability (MPCC) and the Director of the Integrated Security Policy (ISP), Cosmin Dobran. 

They later briefed representatives of Mozambique, Gabon, and Ghana who are the non-permanent representatives of Africa on the UN Security Council and met diplomats representing ATMIS troop contributing countries. 

The delegation included the Somalia Ambassador to Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxemburg and the Head of Mission to the EU, Yonis Hashi and Abdihakim Mohamed Yusuf. The AU officials included Ambassador Awad Sakine Ahmat and ATMIS Head of Political Affairs, Babatunde Taiwo. 

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