Thursday August 15, 2024
Ugandan peacekeepers with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) patrol a street in Mogadishu on May 10, 2022. The mission, critical in supporting Somali forces in their fight against Al-Shabaab, has been extended by the UN Security Council until December 2024 as Somalia prepares for a 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 for Somali forces in their fight against Al-Shabaab as the country prepares for a new peacekeeping mission.
The resolution, introduced by the United Kingdom, allows for the continued deployment of up to 12,626 African Union troops, including 1,040 police officers. The extension is seen as necessary for maintaining stability in Somalia during the transition period, as the country seeks to assume greater responsibility for its own security.
"This extension is vital as we prepare for the post-ATMIS arrangement in 2025," said Somalia's Ambassador to the UN, Abukar Osman Baale. "The support from ATMIS and our international partners is critical as we continue high-tempo operations against Al-Shabaab and work toward building a capable, inclusive, and accountable security force."
The Security Council's decision comes amid ongoing discussions about the successor mission, which is expected to take over from ATMIS in January 2025. The UN Secretary-General has been tasked with delivering a detailed report by November 15, outlining the structure of the new mission, a transition plan, and potential funding options. This report will be developed in consultation with the African Union, the Somali government, and other international stakeholders.
The resolution emphasizes the need for a coordinated transition, guided by Somalia's national strategy to shift from conflict to peace. A private meeting is scheduled for October, during which the Security Council will review the progress of the preparations.
"Effective coordination and coherence in international assistance are essential as we work towards a successful transition," Baale said. "We welcome input from our key partners, but the formation of the next mission must be guided by the needs and aspirations of the Somali people."
Somalia's Ambassador to the United Nations, Abukar Osman Baale, addresses the UN Security Council on August 15, 2024, following the unanimous adoption of a resolution extending the mandate of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) until December 31, 2024. Baale emphasized the importance of continued international support in Somalia’s fight against Al-Shabaab and the need for a smooth transition to a successor mission in 2025.
However, the transition has not been without its challenges. Differences among Security Council members have surfaced, particularly regarding how to finance the successor mission. While some members have proposed continued international support or using existing UN frameworks, reaching a consensus has been difficult.
Security concerns have also been raised, particularly regarding the recent smuggling of illegal weapons into Somalia from Ethiopia. Baale expressed deep concern over this issue, noting that the proliferation of these weapons poses a significant threat to peace and security in Somalia.
"The flow of foreign illegal arms into Somalia is fueling clan conflicts and empowering Al-Shabaab," Baale warned. "We must have a coordinated response to this threat, and I stress the need for all member states to comply with the arms embargo on Al-Shabaab and collaborate to restrict the flow of arms and other support to the group."