MOGADISHU — The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), with support from the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), has transferred the technical management of the Buurhakaba Forward Operating Base in Bay region to Somalia’s 60th Division, officials said.
The handover took place on Aug. 8 and marks another step in the gradual transfer of security responsibilities from international forces to Somalia’s national security institutions.
The base had been operated by the Ethiopian National Defence Force contingent serving under AUSSOM’s Sector Three since 2014. Its transfer to Somali forces reflects efforts to strengthen Somali-led security arrangements as the African Union mission moves toward an eventual transition of responsibilities.
AUSSOM and UNSOS said the handover would support the development of Somali security forces and contribute to the broader objective of enabling them to assume greater responsibility for securing the country.
The transition comes as Somalia and its international partners face the challenge of ensuring that Somali forces have sufficient personnel, equipment, training and logistical support to maintain positions handed over by foreign troops.
At a July 31 summit in Kampala, leaders of AUSSOM troop-contributing countries and Somalia called for an orderly and phased transition, while urging continued international support to strengthen Somali security institutions.
The Kampala summit also called for additional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, improved air support and sustained international mentoring until Somali forces are able to assume national security responsibilities.
Buurhakaba is located in Bay region, an area where Somali forces and international partners continue to confront the threat posed by Al-Shabaab.
