MOGADISHU, March 11 (Xinhua) -- The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) vowed on Monday to beef up security across the country during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which began worldwide this week.
African Union Special Representative for Somalia Mohamed El-Amine Souef called on the public to work with the Somali security forces and ATMIS to ensure public safety.
Cooperation between the security forces and the public will be crucial in averting any disruptions of peace by al-Shabab, he said.
"During this Holy Month of Ramadan, ATMIS pledges to continue to fulfill its mandate of supporting the Somali Security Forces to ensure the safety and security of the Somali people and their property within our areas of responsibility," the AU mission said in a statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.
In the past, al-Shabab extremists usually stage attacks during Ramadan, mainly targeting urban centers, military bases and other public places such as hotels, markets and busy restaurants. ■