Ambassador Mohamed Al-Amine Souef, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and Head of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), visited the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) troops at the Ceel Jaale Forward Operating Base in Somalia. The purpose of his visit was to assess the security situation and brief the troops on the upcoming drawdown phase of the mission.
During his visit, Ambassador Souef praised the UPDF troops for their dedication to fostering peace and stability in Somalia. He highlighted their efforts in building strong community ties and promoting social cohesion and reconciliation, which are essential for the country’s development. He reassured the local population that security will continue even after the ATMIS mission concludes. He urged Somalis to move past the civil war and clan conflicts, encouraging them to work together to rebuild their nation.
Brigadier General Anthony Lukwago Mbuusi, the Sector One Commander, also spoke about the positive impact of clan mediation and the strong civil-military relationships. He emphasized that these efforts have created an environment where the Somali Federal Government forces can assume key security roles.
Ambassador Souef was accompanied on his visit by the ATMIS Military Chief of Staff, Major General Kindu Gez, and other senior ATMIS officials. Their presence underscored the importance of the UPDF’s role in the mission and the ongoing efforts to ensure a stable and peaceful Somalia.
