ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – In a significant move towards bolstering security and stability in Somalia, the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) has endorsed the establishment of a new African Union-led Mission.
This new mission is set to replace the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) by December 2024.
According to the AUPSC, the new AU-led Mission will focus on supporting the federal government of Somalia to further degrade Al-Shabaab, a militant Islamist group that has been a persistent threat to the country’s security.
The mission will also prioritize the protection of civilians in Somalia, assist in stabilization and security efforts, and engage in counter-terrorism operations.
The AUPSC has strongly supported Somalia’s request for a phased approach to the Phase 3 Drawdown of ATMIS, with the withdrawal of 4,000 personnel divided into two tranches.
The first tranche of 2,000 personnel is scheduled to be withdrawn by the end of June 2024, and the second tranche of 2,000 personnel is expected to be withdrawn by the end of September 2024.
This new AU-led Mission is expected to play a crucial role in enabling state-building priorities in Somalia and contributing to the overall security and stability of the country.
The AUPSC’s endorsement of this mission marks a significant step forward in the efforts to combat terrorism and promote peace in Somalia.
