The Federal Government of Somalia has confirmed that it has the capacity to fully assume responsibility for the country’s security if the African Union Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) withdraws from Somalia, noting that extensive preparations have been made in recent years in this regard.
President Hassan Sheikh Mahmood told to UN general Assembly, yesterday that Somalia reached to the point where it can take over its own security by itself. He also thanked the African Mission in Somalia for their brotherly contribution in peace in the last two decades.
The Director General of the TUBSAN Center, Ali Yasin Gurbe, said that Somalia has taken various steps to prepare for the time when foreign forces will transfer security responsibility, especially in the areas of building security institutions and equipping the Somali military.
Gurbe indicated that their center has been part of efforts to confront so-called contra-terrorism in recent years, saying that the operations and experience gained have helped Somalia develop the ability to independently address the country’s security challenges.
He noted that the Somali military and security institutions have been engaged in dealing with Al-Shabaab for a long time, which has given them experience in planning and executing security operations.
The Director also said that the reconstruction of various Federal Government institutions, especially security ones, is a major part of Somalia’s preparation to fully integrate into the country.
Finally, the Director dismissed concerns that the withdrawal of AUSSOM troops could put Somalia in a dangerous security situation, insisting that the government is prepared for security responsibilities and has the experience and cooperation. As matter-of-fact Somali government is preparing a greater number of troops than expected from 2024 till 2027. It’s estimated 100 000 soldiers, nearly 60 000 was already prepared and deployed in the fight against Al-Shabaab in recent times. Similarly, Somalia is receiving multiple military equipment from Turkish government, Egypt, Pakistan and others, this will significantly, enhance the capacity of the SNA to work, plan and execute its operations independently as Somalia was before the 1991.
Writtenby: Omar Ahmed Malin
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