The federal Minister of Youth and Sports, Mohamed Bare, in an interview on Monday, thanked ATMIS Police personnel for the selflessness in safeguarding government facilities and personnel.

ATMIS Police provides specialized training, advising, and mentoring to the Somali Police Force, conducting joint patrols, securing government installations, and VIP escorts. Furthermore,  ATMIS police also support the Somali Police in recruitment and training, community policing initiatives, and public order management to prevent violent extremism.

“ATMIS forces secure key government installations. They help to secure our workplaces, the Ministry and staff. They have a good working relationship with the Somali Police Force attached to the Ministry. We are grateful for their support,” said Minister Bare.

Some ministries and government departments secured by ATMIS Formed Police include courts of law, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Ministry of Justice.

The Acting ATMIS Formed Police Unit Operations Coordinator, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Alan Tugiizire, thanked the Somali Security Forces for collaborating with ATMIS to safeguard critical government facilities.

SSP Tugiizire noted that ATMIS Police and Somali Police collaborate to secure government institutions, thus ensuring the safety and security of public servants.

“Government officials work at ease knowing they are protected. So, when we work together with Somali security forces, communities know they can safely access government offices,” said SSP Tugiizire.

A Deputy SPF Commander responsible for securing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Lt. Omar Hussein Ibrahim,  said they have gained valuable skills from ATMIS through embedding, mentoring, and training.

“We have gained knowledge from ATMIS, which we use to defend the country and key government installations. At the main gate, we identify employees and check visitors seeking government services as ATMIS handles security inside,” said Lt. Omar.

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ATMIS Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union (DSRCC) Ms. Fiona Lortan, who presided over the ceremony, said the “selfless service” and immense sacrifices of the officers had helped advance the goals of the Somalia Transition Plan.

“In the time that I have been here, I have discovered that this is not an easy posting at all. Despite numerous challenges, you have given everything to support Somalia,” said Ms. Lortan. “It is a symbol of pan-African solidarity, which we are trying to forge and promote on this continent,” noted the DSRCC.

Ms. Lortan emphasized ATMIS’ commitment to the Somalia Transition Plan and the gradual drawdown of ATMIS forces ahead of the handover of security responsibilities to the Somalia Security Forces by December 2024. The Somalia Transition Plan is a key deliverable in the ATMIS mandate agreed between the Federal Government of Somalia and its partners.

Speaking at the event, ATMIS Force Commander, Lt.Gen Diomede Ndegeya, praised the officers for effectively discharging their duties in planning, coordination, and providing administrative and logistical support during their tour of duty

“The spirit of cohesion that you have demonstrated shows how devoted Africans are to restoring peace on their continent,”  the Force Commander said.

The officers were especially praised for their role in supporting ATMIS’ strategic objectives as defined in the Concept of Operations (CONOPS). The CONOPS provides a framework for harmonised plans and targeted operations between ATMIS and the Somali Security Forces to degrade Al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups.

“I have witnessed the resilience of the African spirit. Several nations have come together to support an African country in its time of need. During my tour of duty, I have seen selfless service from men and women who are dedicated to the goals of the mission,” said outgoing ATMIS Chief Force Engineer, Colonel Saheed Olalekan Sadiq.

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