MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somali forces are preparing to take full security responsibility by 2021 as African Union troops will begin exit.

The Special Representative of African Union for Somalia, Amb. Francisco Madeira says the next 15 months will be crucial as Somalia is preparing to take security responsibility from the AU mission (AMISOM) by 2021.

Amb. Madeira says Somali battalions are professionally equipped to fight against an al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab.

He said the country’s army forces are also capable of holding territories, allowing the government to offer social services to the citizens.

“This will shape the security of this country,” he said.

“The AU believes that our commitments must now be supported by enhanced and accelerated action in the implementation of our already identified security priorities”.

Madeira also reiterated that restructuring the security sector has improved cooperation between the Federal government, AMISOM and partners in the security sector in Somalia.

The African Union Peace and Security Council endorsed the Somalia transition plan on April 30 2018.

Since then, the mission in Somalia (Amisom) has registered progress in implementing its mandate, guided by the transition plan.

The plan is a comprehensive guide developed by the federal government of Somalia and its partners for the transfer of security responsibility to the Somali security forces ahead of AMISOM’s anticipated exit in 2021.