Multi-national forces to take over from AU troops in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Upon full exit of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), a new 'lean' contingent of troops will aid the Somalia National Army (SNA) in handling security concerns, a senior advisor to the presidency has revealed, setting a stage for a reorganisation of security in the country.

The ATMIS troops have kickstarted a drawdown of troops, with 5,000 leaving in two phases. The third phase, ATMIS said in a recent statement, will see 4,000 more soldiers leave Somalia. The last team is expected to leave by December 2024.

Hussein Sheikh Ali, the National Security Advisor to the presidency, says a proposal has been tabled for a multi-national force will operate in the country after the full exit of the ATMIS contingent, which has somehow managed to stabilise the country.

The discussion about the new team, he adds, is 'going on at an advanced level'. He says Somalia, the African Union and the UN have already agreed to have “lean” multinational forces in the country from January next year.

The mandate of the new forces will be to protect key infrastructure within Somalia, and areas where Somali security forces would use as logistical hubs and also where international agencies and foreign embassies are based, he told Voice of America, Somali service.

The new forces are not going to be part of the combat operations against al-Shabaab, he added. Al-Shabaab militants have lost vast lands in Somalia for the last fifteen months, following a coordinated operation under the national army and other security teams.

Hussein Sheikh Ali says the new forces are estimated to be between 3000 and 8000, and they will work closely with an equal number of Somali forces so that gradually Somali security forces will take over from them within 12 months, with anticipation the country will fully stabilise.

The 12-month presence of the new forces in the country is “extendable,” Hussein Sheikh said. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declared total war against the Alshabab when he took over and so far, over 5,000 militants have reportedly been killed.

The second phase of operations against the militants will kick off in Jubaland and Southwest states but the process has been delayed due to logistical challenges. The government also increased surveillance on media platforms and revenue sources for the group.

GAROWE ONLINE