Halane camp in Somalia’s capital on ‘lock down’ for security 

The decision was reached in consultation with the office of the PM Mohamed Hussein Roble. It becomes the second lockdown in this month on the key facility, housing western diplomatic missions.

News Keydmedia Online
25 April 2022

The view from a hotel in the Halane Base Camp, Mogadishu. Photograph: Sally Hayden

MOGADISHU, Somalia – The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has announced it imposed a total three-day lockdown on the Halane base camp in the capital, Mogadishu.

The lockdown officially goes into effect on Monday, April 25, and will last until the 28th of this month, according to a statement obtained by Keydmedia Online.

The decision was reached in consultation with the office of the PM Mohamed Hussein Roble. It becomes the second lockdown in this month on the key facility, housing western diplomatic missions.

The mission said there will be a security operation for three days that will not affect the flight services at Mogadishu’s Aden Abdulle International airport next to Halane.

The move comes amid security concerns as an election for parliament leadership is expected to be held at Afisyoni tent around Halane on the 26th and 27th of this month.

On March 23, two Al-Shabaab gunmen gained access from the marine gate to attack the airport, where the terrorists killed at least six people, including five foreigners.

The militants fired mortar rounds at Afisyoni during the swearing-in of the legislators on April 14, in an attack that raised serious questions over the parliament security.

Despite being ejected in 2011, Al-Shabaab continues to stage attacks in the seaside city, targeting key areas, including Halane, the airport, upscale hotels, and govt. buildings.

KEYDMEDIA English