The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) said it has opened joint operations centers (JOCs) to enhance coordination and planning with Somali security forces (SSF) during operations against al-Shabaab.
ATMIS Force Commander Diomede Ndegeya said the centers, which were opened across the AU mission’s areas of responsibility, will enable the allied forces to work together.
Ndegeya said in a statement issued in Mogadishu, the Joint operations centers will be functional in all sectors to coordinate operations and urged all sector commanders to ensure that they are fully effective in their areas of operations in the regions.
He said ATMIS personnel, Somali security forces, and partners will coordinate, and plan operations at the centers as contained in the ATMIS Concept Of Operations (CONOPs). The CONOPs provide a framework to guide the implementation of the gradual transfer of security responsibilities to the Somali security forces and the eventual exit of AU troops from Somalia.
