More than 650 families displaced by last year’s El Nino-induced floods, benefitted from essential items including wheat flour, sugar, rice, cooking oil, blankets, and plastic sheets. The beneficiaries included People Living with Disabilities (PLWDs), Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and orphans.

“We are here to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the recent flooding after the river Shabelle bust its banks following the heavy rains experienced last year. We know that this is not enough to meet all their needs, but it will help to sustain their livelihoods,” noted Col. Said Waaberi, the ATMIS Sector Four Commander who presided over the distribution of the relief items to the affected families.

The distribution occurred a week after ATMIS Djibouti troops distributed another consignment of relief items to flood-affected families living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Bulobarde town in Hiraan region.

Highlighting the significance of humanitarian efforts, Col. Waaberi called upon other international partners and aid agencies operating in the Hiraan region to increase their assistance to mitigate the adverse effects of the recent floods.

Abdullahi Ahmed Sufurow, the governor of Hiraan region thanked ATMIS Djibouti troops for assisting households affected by consequences of climate change.

“We are grateful for the emergency support you have given to our people. The Djibouti troops have distributed water as well as various food and non-food items that will help to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the floods,” said Governor Sufurow.

Khalif Abikar Aden, one of beneficiaries of the relief aid, expressed gratitude for ATMIS’ support towards vulnerable communities.

“ATMIS has been very benevolent to the community, particularly with their regular and impactful interventions,”  said Aden.

The sentiments were echoed by Nadifo Ahmed Abdullahi who thanked ATMIS and other humanitarian agencies for their unwavering support.

“We are happy and grateful for the food, blankets and plastic items delivered to us and we want to thank ATMIS and other humanitarian agencies for their continued support,” added Nadifo.

The post ATMIS provides humanitarian aid to flood-affected families in Hirshabelle State appeared first on African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

The supply of potable water comes as the camp faces acute water shortages. The IDPs were forced to relocate from their original homes to Jowhar in search of better life after experiencing the twin disasters of prolonged drought and then devasting El Nino rains. 

Maj. Daniel Hahorimana, the Deputy ATMIS Burundi Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) officer in Jowhar, announced that ATMIS would continue distributing water every week until a permanent solution can be found. 

“Residents of Towfik IDP camp have been without water for an extended period, which is why we decided to support them. We will provide them with water twice every week, Saturdays and Sundays totaling 7,000 litres each day which translates to 14,000 litres per week,” stated Maj. Hahorimana. 

In addition to water supply the Burundi contingent also provides medical support to address various diseases associated with the living conditions at the camp and harsh climate. 

The residents of the camp expressed their appreciation for ATMIS’ support describing the water supply as timely. 

Muawiye Osman Omar, the Chairman of Towfik IDP camp, confirmed that the residents have been grappling with a severe water shortage due to absence of a water source in the area. 

Though ATMIS provides water to the residents twice a week, the quantity is insufficient due to the increasing number of IDPs from other parts of Hirshabelle State. 

“There are at least 3000 households living in Towfik IDP camp and we lack a water well, leading to the ongoing water shortages. While ATMIS provides water we need more. We urgently request the Federal Government, Hirshabelle State and other agencies to support us by drilling a well,” explained Muawiye. 

His sentiments were echoed by Zam Zam Abdullahi, a resident of Towfik IDP camp, who also called on the government and humanitarian agencies to promptly address the water shortage by drilling a water well. 

“We have no water. We are suffering because we lack a water source. We request the authorities to address our issue,” she said. 

ATMIS troops in Hirshabelle State have been actively distributing water and other essential items, including medical supplies, to IDPs and nearby local communities, to improve their living standards. 

The post ATMIS troops supply water to IDPs appeared first on African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

This new educational facility, funded by the Italian government, was officially handed over by ATMIS on Monday. 

“Education is key to national development in Somalia and across Africa. It’s essential for promoting peace, stability, and growth. This project shows ATMIS’s commitment to the crucial role of education in shaping Somalia’s future,” stated Maj. Gen. Marius Ngendabanka, ATMIS Deputy Force Commander in charge of Operations and Plans, at the project’s official opening. 

The Jubaland State Deputy Minister for Education and Culture, Mukhtar Kamil Kule, representing the state’s administration and the local community, thanked ATMIS for supporting education in the federal member state. 

“ATMIS KDF troops have contributed significantly to our national development in addition to maintaining security and providing our children a quiet place to learn. Although we are talking about education today, in Kismayo, it was impossible to discuss education eleven years before the arrival of ATMIS,” said the deputy minister. 

He further noted, “the education sector in Somalia has greatly benefited from ATMIS support” through the construction of schools, the supply of education materials, capacity-building to improve quality teaching and learning and creating a conducive learning environment for students. 

As part of the Stabilisation and Early Recovery programme, ATMIS continues to support Somalia’s educational development by building school infrastructure through the Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) in areas liberated from the control of Al-Shabaab. 

The Senior Civil Affairs Officer for ATMIS, Dr Opiyo Ododa, commended the cooperation between ATMIS and Jubaland State authorities which has facilitated the implementation of Quick Impact Projects. 

“ATMIS considers education a key element for developing a country. We put our efforts into building schools, hospitals, and police stations in Kismayo. We are happy to work collaboratively with Jubaland government,” said Dr Ododa. 

In attendance at the event were ATMIS Sector-Six Commander Brig. Gen. Lukas Kutto, 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Eric Lovega, along with officials from the Jubaland State administration and the school’s management team. 

The post ATMIS contributes to improving quality education in Jubaland State appeared first on African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

Under the Stabilisation and Early Recovery programme and with funding of US$137,000 from Kazakhstan, ATMIS is set to lead these projects in Hirshabelle, Jubaland, and Southwest Federal Member States.

The project includes constructing three solar-powered shallow wells, complete with accessories and water storage tanks. The facilities will be strategically located at Jowhar Airport police station, Baakin police station in Baidoa, and Jubaland Police Headquarters in Kismayo.

Identified through thorough consultations by the Federal Government of Somalia, Federal Member States, and local communities, the projects are designed to boost operational capacities of police stations while also serving the needs of adjacent communities.

Previously in 2018, the Kazakhstan Government funded the construction of 16 water wells in Hirshabelle State for US$78,000 through the same program. This initiative, executed by a local contractor, has notably enhanced access to clean water in Jowhar, reducing incidences of water-borne diseases.

The collaboration between ATMIS and the Republic of Kazakhstan demonstrates a commitment to improving community living conditions in areas liberated from Al-Shabaab control and addressing the challenges posed by recurrent droughts and climate change in Somalia.

The post ATMIS and Kazakhstan Government Collaborate on clean and safe Water Projects in Somalia appeared first on African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

The meeting was attended by the ATMIS Sector Two Commander Brig. William Kamoiro, Dhobley District Commissioner Hassan Abdi Hashi and the commander of the Somali security forces in Dhobley Col. Mohamed Heybe Muhumad.

The officials discussed the threat posed by the Al-Shabaab and how to counter the militant group’s activities in the area.

“We need to ensure the Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) occupied by the Somali security forces are well reinforced which is critical in establishing a robust security infrastructure” said Brig. William Kamoiro, the ATMIS Sector Two Commander.

“This will provide a solid foundation to effectively counter any potential security threat” he added.

The local security committee officials commended ATMIS troops for their role in supporting the Somali security forces to safeguard the area despite persistent threats from Al-Shabaab militants.

“Public security in Dhobley district is good, our forces are engaged in joint operations to deter any attempts by Al-Shabaab to disrupt the peace and security of our people,” said Col. Mohamed.

On his part the Dhobley District Commissioner Hassan Abdi Hashi said, “We are very grateful for the support provided by ATMIS troops to Jubaland, in particular the people of Dhobley. You have always been willing and ready to support whenever we are in need,”

During the meeting, the ATMIS and local security committee officials agreed to form a taskforce that will be entrusted with the responsibility of developing a comprehensive plan to mitigate the effects of the much anticipated El-Nino rains beginning this month.

“Planning for contingencies such as adverse weather conditions, is essential to ensuring the wellbeing and safety of the local population and the security forces”, Brig. Kamoiro noted.

The initiative is in line with the ATMIS strategic objective of supporting the Somali security forces to jointly hold priority population centres and providing protection for the local communities.

Sector Two which has its headquarters in Dhobley town along the Somalia- Kenya border, is under the Area of Responsibility of ATMIS Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops.

The post ATMIS troops and local administration officials in Dhobley strategise on security appeared first on African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

The facility will provide potable water to over 200 homes and reduce the long distance that people used to travel especially women and children in search of water.

Overall, the project has the capacity to supply 3000 cubic litres of water daily to communities in Janaale and surrounding areas in the Lower Shabelle region.

“We will always be grateful for this project which will make life easy for our people to access clean and safe drinking water. It will also reduce the risk of contracting waterborne diseases,” said the Janaale District Commissioner, Abdirhaman Yusuf Abdi.

Abdi who officially received the project on behalf of the Lower Shabelle regional administration, thanked ATMIS and development partners for resolving the perennial water challenges of  residents.

Janaale and the surrounding communities  have for years suffered from waterborne diseases.  Residents were mainly dependent on the seasonal River Shabelle, however,  the water levels have been receding due to climate change and unfriendly environmental practices.

Lt. Col. Nelson Baringaya from Uganda Contingent Battle Group 37, who was at the handover ceremony, said ATMIS troops will secure the project site to protect it from any acts of sabotage by Al-Shabaab militants.

“We will support and protect the local communities so they can access the water for domestic needs and other use,” noted Lt Col Baringaya.

The post ATMIS commissions water project in Lower Shabelle appeared first on African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

The KDF Engineers have expanded  the width of the airstrip, cleared heaps of sand and reinforced  the grounds by filling up and compacting it.  The KDF troops also cleared up shrubs on and along the Airstrip.

The Airstrip which is important to facilitating transport and connectivity from the region to the rest of the country had suffered considerable damage due to weather conditions including erosion and heavy rainfall. It was impeding safe landing and takeoff of aircraft.

“This renovation of the Dhobley airstrip is important to restoring the transportation of people and goods for this important region. It will ensure a safe and efficient travel. It will contribute and improve socio-economic development which will impact positively local communities. It will also foster peace and stability in the region,” said the ATMIS Sector Two Commander, Brigadier William Kamoiro, who commissioned the renovated airstrip.

Flights have since resumed on the airstrip, a significant boost to trading activities in Dhobley and neighbouring towns.

KDF troops collaborated with the local communities and the Jubaland State authorities to execute the project. It forms part of the Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities by ATMIS to strengthen relations with the local communities and improve on socio-economic development.

The post ATMIS KDF troops renovate Dhobley Airstrip appeared first on African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

The five-classroom block school was constructed as part of ATMIS’ Quick Impact Projects, through which projects that address the basic needs of local populations are undertaken.

Speaking at the handover of the school, the Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC), Ms. Fiona Lortan, said that providing quality education was the foundation on which a new Somalia can be built.

“Somalia’s many years of conflict have massively affected socio-economic development, which then makes it difficult for people to have easy access to decent education and other basic human needs. Inadequate educational facilities tend to make children vulnerable to being involved in adverse activities such as joining militia groups as a way of sustaining themselves,” she said.

Turning to the students, Ms. Lortan had words of encouragement, “we should not be discouraged by poor conditions, nor by our humble backgrounds. In the world, there are many successful people who have come from very humble backgrounds. When you excel in your studies, you will excel in life and you will be able to make a positive contribution to your own society, to your country and even to the whole of mankind”.

The District Commissioner of Beeles Qooqaani, Musa Maalim Adan, said not only was the community going to benefit by educating their children in a safe and secure environment, they were also going to take care of the school for the sake of generations to come.

“We communicated our need for a good school in this area, and I am very happy that ATMIS responded favorably to us. This is a school from which generations of our people will benefit and we will take good care of it,” he said.

Beyond combat activities to degrade Al-Shabaab, ATMIS troops operating in Jubbaland State have done several Quick Impact Project which include drilling water points, refurbishing hospitals and police stations, building and furnishing schools and markets, as well as supporting women’s groups in various income-generating projects.

The post ATMIS supports education in Somalia by handing over school in Jubbaland State appeared first on African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

ATMIS Deputy Sector Two Commander, Colonel Joel Maiyo, said the food donation was to help with feeding of patients, especially children admitted with severe malnutrition as a result of the ongoing drought. The medical supplies are to help the hospital in meeting the medical needs of patients.

“We came to Dhobley General Hospital to donate medicine and food to support all patients, especially children, women, and the elderly who are admitted to this hospital. Our mandate as ATMIS is to support the Somali people, and this includes supporting the Somali Security Forces in protecting and taking care of welfare of the population. This donation forms part of our civil-military cooperation (CIMIC) activities,” said Col. Maiyo.

Receiving the items, the Director of Dhobley Hospital, Mohamed Yusuf Hassan, called for more support from ATMIS and Somalia’s international partners to help alleviate the suffering of the vulnerable members of the community.

“We appreciate this timely donation, and it must be said that ATMIS has always supported us in times of need. This donation will help alleviate some of the challenges we face. On many occasions, ATMIS has helped us deal with serious medical cases that cannot be treated in our hospitals due to lack of specialist care. We have taken patients to the ATMIS hospital where they have been treated, and we appreciate that very much,” said the hospital director.

Beyond combat activities to degrade Al-Shabaab, ATMIS forces in Somalia undertake Quick Impact Projects, which are small-scale projects that address the basic needs of local populations. Some of the activities include drilling of boreholes, refurbishing hospitals, building schools and markets to help improve the lives and welfare of the local communities living under its areas of responsibility.

The post ATMIS Sector Two donates to Dhobley General Hospital appeared first on African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

ATMIS has handed over a newly constructed police station at Jowhar Airport to Hirshabelle state. The police station was built by ATMIS as part of its Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) with funding from the Gov’t of India. More in this video.

The post ATMIS hands over the newly constructed police station at Jowhar Airport in Hirshabelle State appeared first on African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).