Somali military and African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (Atmis) have held talks with local administration officials in Baraawe to discuss security in the southern coastal town.
Baraawe District Commissioner, Dr. Liban Osman Abubakar appealed to ATMIS and the SNA to bolster security at the Baraawe airport.
“Air transport is the main mode of carting goods in and out of here. We need you to reinforce security at the airport to protect us from the enemies of progress and development,” said Dr. Abubakar.
The commissioner lauded SNA and Atmis for their tireless effort to maintain security in Baraawe, which once was stronghold of Al-Shabaab movement in southern Somalia’s Lower Shebelle Region.
The group lost the town in 2014 after fierce fighting with Somali military backed by the then African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
Abubakar pledged his commitment to supporting the ongoing peacebuilding efforts so Baraawe can improve on socio-economic development.
Other officials present included the SNA Sub-Sector Commander, Col. Abdulrahim Elim; the Area Police Commander, Inspector Abdul Khadir; the Baraawe Military Police Commander, Capt. Bashir Sheikh Ali; and the ATMIS 41 Batallion Commander, Lt. Col. Hannington Kigula.
Baraawe SNA Sub-Sector Commander, Col. Abdulrahim Elmi has expressed Somalitary’s commitment to secure the town and liberate all other areas under Al-Shabaab.
The Commander of ATMIS Uganda forces in Baraawe, Col. Christopher Berochan, reassured the local community of ATMIS’ commitment to providing security.
“We are committed to working closely with SNA to deny Al-Shabaab elements freedom of action against civilians and vital installations,” Col. Berochan emphasized.
