Burundian soldiers serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) on parade at Warsheikh Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Warsheikh District, in Middle Shabelle region. A ceremony to hand over the FOB to the Somali security forces
AMISOM hands over Warsheikh base to Somali security forces
W
arsheikh - On 03 September, after five years of controlling and managing peace and security in the area, AMISOM handed over Warsheikh Forward Operating Base (FOB) in HirShabelle state, to the Somali security forces.
Situated about 70kms north of Mogadishu, Warsheikh was captured in 2014 during “Operation Indian Ocean” and it has since served as a key route that secures the Mogadishu-Cadale Main Supply Route (MSR) to enable the free movement of goods and people.
Warsheikh FOB, which was a base for the Burundi National Defence Force (BNDF) since 2014, was handed over to HirShabelle Police Commissioner, Hassan Dhiisow Hassan, by AMISOM Deputy Force Commander in charge of Operations and Plans, Maj. Gen. James Nakibus Lakara at a ceremony held in Warsheikh District.
This handover is part of the implementation of the Somali Transition Plan that specifies a gradual transfer of security responsibility to the Somali security forces and the Federal Government of Somalia.
“AMISOM has handed over the Somali National University, Mogadishu Stadium, Jaalle Siyad Military Academy, Via Afmadow in Kismayo and now we are handing over Warsheikh,” Maj. Gen. Lakara said. Maj. Gen. Lakara paid tribute to the AMISOM Burundi contingent for the sacrifice and working with local communities to maintain peace in the area. He urged the Somali security forces taking over the base to observe discipline and secure the area.
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Somalia’s Deputy Minister of Internal Security, Abdinasir Seid Musse, described the handover as a testament to the positive trajectory the country is making towards lasting peace, and saluted AMISOM for its efforts to restore peace and security. “It’s clear that the Transition Plan is in full swing and we are here to witness that Warsheikh will, from now henceforth, be the responsibility of the Somali Police Force,” Abdinasir, said. The base will now be under the control of the Somali Police Force who completed AMISOM Police training
