(05-07-23) KISMAYO – The Jubland State expressed concerns regarding the withdrawal of ATMIS forces, emphasising that the removal plan was not adequately evaluated.
On Wednesday, in an interview with VOA Somali service, Mohamud Sayid Aadan, the vice president of Jubalan, stated, “Al-Shabaab will seize a great opportunity if the ATMIS forces abandon their bases in the region.
He also added that civilians who depend on ATMIS security would face uncertainty regarding their safety and expressed concern that Alshabab would retaliate against those who do not endorse their ideology.
“It was crucial to pause the withdrawal plan, and we requested multiple times for it to stop. During the council meetings, there were discussions about cancelling the withdrawal plan. However, the plan indicates that ATMIS are determined to leave the region, and the formal government was in support of this plan.”
Mohamed Sayid expressed his belief that the military forces of Jubaland and the Federal Government would be unable to assume control over the bases vacated by ATMIS. Despite these challenges, the Jubaland Government must make an effort to manage its security.
