The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has officially concluded its three-phase troop withdrawal process.
The final handover of 21 military bases to the Somali National Army took place on Thursday.
A total of 9,000 troops have been withdrawn to pave the way for a new UN-backed AU peacekeeping mission.
The Bur gavo Forward Operating Base in Jubaland State, a crucial stronghold against the Al-Shabaab militant group, was the last to be transferred.
The new AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia is scheduled to commence in January.
This transition marks a significant step towards Somalia’s self-reliance in security matters.
However, the country continues to face significant challenges.
Inter-clan violence, exacerbated by climate change-induced resource scarcity, has led to widespread displacement and disrupted livelihoods.
