African Union officials in Somalia reportedly engaged in a standoff with the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) over security responsibility at the Halane Compound in Mogadishu.
The dispute allegedly stems from NISA’s refusal to dismantle two checkpoints inside the Halane Camp at ATMIS’s request. ATMIS cited security concerns for their directive.
The Halane Compound is an expansive UN Compound that houses various multinational organizations and western diplomatic missions, including the US Embassy.
The compound is adjacent to Mogadishu’s international airport.
Two weeks ago, Al-Shabaab fighters have killed three people – two security guards and a policeman – following an armed raid at the gates of the military camp in Halane.
Abdiasis Abu Musab, an al-Shabab spokesman, claimed responsibility for the attack.
On Tuesday, Somalia’s intelligence agency issued a rare public notice about an Al-Shabaab plot to kill the nation’s leaders.
The United Nations voted unanimously to endorse a new Somali-led transitional mission to replace the 15-year AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
The British-drafted resolution recognizes changes in the security situation since AMISOM was first authorized in February 2007.
The new ATMIS mission’s mandate includes supporting the Somali forces “in providing security for the political process at all levels.”
BY OSMAN HUSSEIN ALI
