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Thursday, August 15, 2024
Ugandan peacekeepers from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) patrol a street in Mogadishu on May 10, 2022. The mission is crucial in supporting Somali forces in the fight against Al-Shabaab, and the UN Security Council has extended its mandate until December 2024 as Somalia prepares to transition to a new peacekeeping arrangement.
UNITED NATIONS, New York (HOL) – The United Nations Security Council voted unanimously on Wednesday to extend the mandate of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) until December 31, 2024, ensuring continued support in its fight against Al-Shabaab as Somalia prepares for war. New peacekeeping missions.
The resolution, proposed by Britain, allows the continued deployment of up to 12,626 African Union troops, including 1,040 police officers. The extension is seen as necessary to maintain stability in Somalia during the transition period as the country seeks to take greater responsibility for its own security.
“This extension is critical as we prepare for the post-ATMIS arrangements in 2025,” said Abukar Osman Barale, Somalia’s ambassador to the United Nations. “The support of ATMIS and our international partners is essential as we continue our high-tempo operations against Al-Shabaab and work to build a capable, inclusive and accountable security force.”
The Council’s decision came amid ongoing discussions on a successor mission, which is expected to take over The Somali security forces are due to withdraw in January 2025. The UN secretary-general is tasked with submitting a detailed report by November 15 outlining the structure of the new mission, a transition plan and potential funding options. The report will be developed in consultation with the African Union, the Somali government and other international stakeholders.
The resolution stressed the need for a coordinated transition, guided by Somalia’s national strategy for moving from conflict to peace. The Council is scheduled to hold a private meeting in October to review progress in preparations for the transition.
“Effective coordination and coherence of international assistance is essential as we work towards a successful transition,” Balle said. “We welcome the input of key partners, but the formation of the next mission must be guided by the needs and aspirations of the Somali people.”
On August 15, 2024, Somalia’s ambassador to the United Nations, Abukar Osman Balle, addressed the UN Security Council. Earlier, the Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution to extend the mandate of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) until December 31, 2024. Balle stressed that continued international support for Somalia’s fight against Al-Shabaab is crucial and that a smooth transition to a successor mission in 2025 is necessary.
However, the transition period was not smooth sailing. Disagreements emerged among Security Council members, especially on how to fund the follow-on mission. While some members proposed continuing international support or using the existing UN framework, it was not easy to reach a consensus.
Security concerns were also raised, particularly regarding recent incidents of illegal weapons smuggling into Somalia. From EthiopiaBarre expressed deep concern about this issue and noted that the proliferation of these weapons constitutes a Major Threats Achieving peace and security in Somalia.
“The flow of illegal foreign weapons into Somalia exacerbates clan conflicts and strengthens Al-Shabaab,” Barale warned. “We must mount a coordinated response to this threat, and I stress the need for all Member States to abide by the arms embargo on Al-Shabaab and to cooperate in limiting the flow of weapons and other support to the group.”
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