Mogadishu –The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) Deputy Force Commander in charge of Operations and Planning, Maj. Gen, Marius Ngendabanka, on Monday visited Middle Shabelle region to assess the ongoing upgrade of the Balcad Forward Operating Base (FOB).
“The purpose of our visit today is to evaluate the construction process of the Balcad FOB in order to improve the accommodation facilities and also to strengthen the perimeter to protect our troops, especially during this critical period,” said Maj. Gen, Ngendabanka, who doubles as ATMIS Acting Force Commander.
Balcad is located approximately 36 kilometers northeast of Mogadishu and has been critical in supporting tactical and strategic operations in combating Al-Shabaab militants in the Middle Shabelle region.
The official visit follows the departure of the Burundi contingent from Maslah to Balcad in January as part of the handover of security responsibilities to the Somali security forces. Maslah FOB is now under the control of the Somali National Army.
During the visit, Maj. Gen Ngendabanka inspected a guard of honor mounted by Burundi National Defence Forces (BNDF) soldiers before touring the area.
On the sidelines of the visit, Maj. Gen. Ngendabanka stated that Burundian troops are committed to assisting Somalia achieve peace and stability despite the challenges they face.
“The visit is also intended to boost morale among our troops, who are subjected to difficult living conditions,” added Maj. Gen Ngendabanka.
Other officials present during the visit included ATMIS Deputy Force Commander in charge of Logistics and Support, Maj. Gen. Peter Kimani Muteti, ATMIS Chief Military Information Officer (CMIO), Col Mohamed Sirat Yusuf among other partners including UNSOS.