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Mogadishu: The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, ATMIS, wishes to bring the following clarifications in reference to the Mission’s note verbale ‘ATMIS/HOM/1424.22’, dated 8th April 2022 regarding the total lockdown of the Halane Base Camp from 10-16th April 2022. The total lockdown is a precautionary routine measure that the mission has used since its inception in 2007 to prevent attempts by terrorists to breach security in the Base Camp in times of heightened imminent security threats, festive periods and or other high-level government/partner activities. The most recent extended lockdown of the Base Camp took place from 17th December 2021 to 8th January 2022 (end of the year festive season). The lock down that began today, which ends on 16th April 2022, is in no way intended to obstruct, force the postponement, or interfere in the smooth running of the swearing in ceremony of newly elected Members of Parliament or any other electoral activity or government function in the Base Camp. Its sole purpose is to facilitate operations aimed at ensuring that the Base Camp remains a safe, secure, and conducive place during this critical electoral period, including the swearing in ceremony, the celebrations of the 62nd Somalia Army Day and the entire Ramadan period. ATMIS is working hand in hand with Somali Security Forces (SSF) to ensure that the completion of the electoral process is achieved in a conducive and violence-free environment. As part of its mandate, which includes the provision of election security and security in Halane Base Camp, Villa Somalia, and other key Somali infrastructures, ATMIS remains committed to working collaboratively with key ministries and agencies within the FGS to secure election venues and candidates.unquote About ATMIS The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has effectively taken over from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), in line with the decision of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) during its 1068th meeting held on 08 March 2022, mandating the ATMIS to support the Federal Government of Somalia in the implementation of the Somali Transition Plan and to transfer security responsibilities to the Somali security forces and institutions. |
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