The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has handed over the Abdalla Birolle Forward Operating Base (FOB) to the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF). The military base, previously under the responsibility of ATMIS Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), is the fourth to be transferred as part of the Phase Three drawdown.

The Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia (DSRCC), Siyuvile Bam, presided over the handover of the base. ATMIS Sector Two Commander Brig. Seif Salim Rashid transferred control to

SNA representative Major Muhudin Ahmed. At the symbolic event were representatives from the United Nations (UN) and Jubaland State officials.

“Somalia once provided sanctuary to freedom fighters from other African countries during their struggles for independence. It is our duty to reciprocate the support and sacrifices made by the Somali people for our own countries’ freedom,” said Mr. Bam.

He added that, “Although we are handing over security responsibilities, the African Union will not abandon Somalia and will continue supporting a Somali-led peace and security process.”

ATMIS Sector Two Commander Brig. Rashid praised the effective collaboration between the ATMIS KDF contingent and Somali Security Forces, which resulted in successful operations against Al-Shabaab in Jubaland State. He urged the incoming

SNA forces to maintain the security gains and build on the achievements of ATMIS troops. “Operationally, we have achieved significant successes, greatly impacting the security situation in Kismayo. This FOB serves as a buffer zone for Kismayo airport and so to our colleagues taking over, we wish you all the best. We will remain available for consultations and support as needed,” said Brig Rashid.

Representing the Somalia National Armed Forces (SNAF), Major Muhudin, thanked ATMIS KDF for the sacrifices made to secure Somalia.Kenya Defence Forces troops have dedicated significant time to fighting for Somalia’s liberation and security, contributing to the peace process. No one risks their life unless the cause is truly important, said Major Muhudin

The incoming SNAF FOB Commander, Col. Mohamed Hassan Gabobe, said, “As we assume security responsibilities for this base, we are confident in our capability to maintain peace and security within our Area of Responsibility.”

The United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) gifted UN-owned equipment to the SNAF to ensure the base remains operational. The items include generators, water treatment plants, and water storage tanks.

“UNSOS will continue to provide key logistical support to the Somalia National Armed Forces who are taking over this FOB,” said Santosh Koka, from the UNSOS Transition Planning Cell.

The deputy Mayor of Abdalla Birolle town, Ahmed Ali, said, “Since the Kenyan troops’ deployment in this region, their joint offensive and defensive operations with local Jubaland State security forces have significantly improved the security situation. The local community now enjoys relative peace.”

Located 52 kilometers southwest of the port city of Kismayo, the Abdalla Birolle FOB has been manned by ATMIS KDF since 2016. It serves as a strategic security buffer for Kismayo International Airport and protects the main supply routes connecting Buula Xaaji and Kismayo city, as well as the local community.

UN Security Council Resolution 2741 (2024) authorizes ATMIS to withdraw 2,000 troops from Somalia by 30 June and another 2,000 by 30 September 2024 under the Phase Three drawdown.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

The anniversary of the glorious 30th of June Revolution this year asserts the strength of the Egyptian people and their strong sense of belonging to their country, and their identity, which have enabled our nation to withstand and overcome challenges.

Eleven years ago, the Egyptian people proved that they were far stronger than their enemies could ever imagine and far more resilient than those who sought to undermine our nation with their dark terrorism.

Today, the Egyptian people stand as shining examples of determination, solidarity, and unwavering resolve to surmount crises and transform them into opportunities and successes. A great salute to the Egyptian people, its Armed Forces and police, and all those who excel in every field.

On this momentous occasion, I renew my pledge to you and reaffirm that Egypt will never relinquish its determination to overcome all challenges. We pray to the Almighty for His guidance, to forever inspire us to follow the path of righteousness and virtue.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

The Parliament Committee on Government Assurances and Implementation is investigating the circumstances surrounding the dismantling of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital.

Chaired by Hon. Abed Bwanika, the committee is scrutinising government commitments in the health sector and developments in new cities and districts.

In 2019, Parliament approved a loan request, permitting the Government to borrow approximately Shs200 billion from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank Group under the Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers (UgIFT) Programme.

The funding was purposed for upgrading health centre II’s to health centre III’s in sub counties lacking government-owned health centre III facilities.

In 2021, a further loan request of Shs352.2 billion from the IDA was approved by Parliament to complete the upgrades, construct and equip new health centre III’s, and recruit staff for all upgraded health centre II’s, among other objectives. Government also procured ICU for all regional referral hospitals.

During the committee’s visit to Gulu Regional Referral Hospital on Friday, 29 June 2024, it was discovered that despite receiving 10 ICU beds, only four were operational as an ICU.

Components such as monitors, ventilators, and ICU beds had been relocated to other hospital areas, severely compromising the ICU’s functionality. Additionally, two ICU beds were out of service.

The committee’s deputy chairperson, Hon. Joyce Bagala, expressed concern over the incomplete ICU units presented to the committee, noting discrepancies in the equipment supplied by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Government.

AUDIO: Hon. Joyce Bagala and Hon. Abed Bwanika

Hon. Bwanika demanded explanations from the hospital administration regarding the whereabouts of the ICU components and the reasons behind their dismantling.

“It is regrettable that expensive ICU equipment has been dispersed within the hospital, rendering the ICU ineffective, the individuals responsible appear unable to account for these items, some of which were repurposed as standard hospital beds,” Bwanika said.

Reports indicated that senior hospital management had decided to redistribute some ICU components to various wards, including maternity, surgical, and emergency units after the end of COVID-19.

An ICU unit typically comprises an ICU bed, ventilators, drug pumps, oxygen supply, and suctioning machines. However, several ICUs at the hospital were found lacking these essential components.

In response to the situation, the hospital’s storekeeper, Robert Vupale, was escorted to the police station to record a statement on the dismantling of the ICU and the missing equipment.

Hon. Robert Ssekitoleeko (NUP, Bamunanika County, Luweero) proposed holding the entire hospital administration accountable for the ICU’s degradation.

“The responsibility for this issue lies with all involved parties, including the director and technical staff managing the ICU. A comprehensive investigation should be conducted to address the breakdown in institutional management,” proposed Ssekitoleeko

Following discussions, the committee decided that the hospital’s Director, Dr Peter Mukobi, currently away on official duties in Kampala, should report to the Gulu Central Police Station and record a statement regarding the situation before the Police can determine how to proceed with investigations into the matter.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

Djibouti troops serving with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) celebrated their country’s 47th Independence Day in a colourful ceremony on Thursday in Beletweyne, the Hiiran region. 

On June 27 every year, Djibouti celebrates its independence from French colonial rule, which was achieved in 1977. 

In his address, the ATMIS Sector Four Commander, Col. Said Waberi Harour, commended the Djibouti National Defence Forces (DNDF) for their dedication and contributions to the country’s freedom. 

“We remember those who sacrificed their lives to defend our freedom and protect our land. Their sacrifices inspire us to soar higher and adhere to the values that make our nation great,” he said. 

He acknowledged the troops’ commitment to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and their exceptional professional service in peacekeeping missions. 

“Let’s not forget that our contributions today will determine our collective future. We are proud of the work accomplished so far, and we remain committed to ensuring security, stability and peace in our brotherly nation, Somalia,” observed Col. Waberi. 

The Governor of Hiiran region, Musa Salat Wehliye, affirmed the readiness of the Somali National Army (SNA) to take over the region’s security responsibilities when Djibouti troops hand over Forward Operating Bases in the region, as part of the ongoing phase three drawdown. 

“On behalf of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and Hirshabelle State, I assure you that there will be no security vacuum and our Somali National Army troops are ready to assume the security responsibilities when several Forward Operation Bases (FOBs) in Hiiran region are formally handed over,” noted Governor Wehliye. 

Deployed in Somalia as part of the African Union forces, Djibouti troops operate in ATMIS Sector Four Area of Responsibility (AoR) together with Ethiopian forces. Djibouti troops play a significant role in degrading Al Shabaab and restoring peace and stability in the Hiraan and Galgaduud regions. 

Present at the event were senior officials from the UN, ATMIS, the Hiiran regional administration and representatives from the local community. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).