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QORYOOLEY - A delegation from the African Union (AU) has visited the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Qoryooley, Lower Shabelle, Somalia, and held a meeting with UPDF contingent commander, Brig. Gen. Anthony Lukwago Mbuusi and area leaders.

The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) in a statement released on Sunday, April 28, 2024, noted that the meeting with the delegation led by the head of political affairs peace and security at the peace support operations division, Gen. Cheikh Dembele, on Saturday April 27, 2024, held at the FOB, aimed to assess the progress of the African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and discuss the planned drawdown of troops by December 2024.

Mbuusi briefed the delegation on the achievements of UPDF, including mentoring Somali National Security Forces, providing peace and security to locals, securing main supply routes, degrading al-Shabaab, and supporting the community.

However, Mbuusi also highlighted the challenges faced by troops serving under ATMIS, citing the need for Somali National Security Forces to take over security responsibility in areas where ATMIS has withdrawn. He emphasised the importance of consolidating gains and stabilising the Somali Federal Government.

Gen. Dembele reassured the Somali people that there would be no security vacuum when ATMIS troops exited Somalia and pledged continued support to the Somali Federal Government.

The delegation also engaged with local leaders and community members, strengthening the partnership between the African Union and Somalia.

Local leaders expressed gratitude for ATMIS' presence and requested continued support until the Somali Federal Government gains enough capacity to take over security responsibility.

Lower Shabelle Governor Mohamed Ibrahim Barre, thanked UPDF/ATMIS forces for supporting medical care, security and mentoring local forces.

The delegation included Sivuyile Bam, ATMIS deputy special representative of the chairperson of the African Union Commission (D/SRCC), and Maj. Gen. Marius Ngendabanka, the deputy force commander for operations and plans, among others.