The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) officially transferred control of the Kudaa Forward Operating Base (FOB) to Somali forces on Wednesday, a major step in the third phase of ATMIS’s troop drawdown and Somalia’s increasing self-reliance in security.
Kuday, located near the strategic port city of Kismayo, has been operated by the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) since 2015 under ATMIS. The base is a critical buffer zone, protecting the port and surrounding areas from militant attacks. With ATMIS set to fully withdraw from Somalia by the end of 2024, the handover signals Somalia’s growing capacity to take charge of its own security, even as challenges remain.
“This handover demonstrates Somalia’s capacity and commitment to assume full control of its security, with the continued support of ATMIS,” said Col. Suleiman Ibrahim, ATMIS Military Chief Engineer. He praised the outgoing KDF forces for their role in stabilizing the region and urged Somali forces to continue the work of their predecessors.
The handover includes transferring UN-owned equipment, including generators and solar panels, to Somali forces.
The base’s liberation from Al-Shabaab in 2015 was a major victory for Somali forces, supported by ATMIS. Since then, Kuday has been pivotal in stabilizing southern Somalia, contributing to the economic revival of Kismayo, one of Somalia’s most important ports. However, Al-Shabaab remains a persistent threat, with the militant group continuing to launch attacks across the country.
While the Kuday handover is a positive step, the Somali Security Forces (SSF) face significant challenges as they prepare to assume full responsibility for security across the country. Slow progress in force generation within the SSF and a lack of key capabilities, such as air support for remote regions, continue to hamper operations. Experts have warned that if these issues are not addressed, the gains made in recent years could be at risk.
Brigadier Rashid Seif, ATMIS Sector Two Commander, presided over the ceremony, stressing the importance of this transition for both ATMIS and the Somali government. “We have engaged in extensive discussions and planning for this exit. We are confident that Somali forces will maintain the security of this strategic region,” he said.
