UK Boosts AU Somalia Mission with nearly $10M for Security

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The United Kingdom (UK) has pledged an additional £7.5 million for the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) whose mandate ends in December 2024, in yet another effort to fight the al-Shabaab militants within the Horn of Africa nation.

This latest contribution of nearly $10M brings the UK’s total financial support to ATMIS and its predecessor, AMISOM, to £77 million since 2021. Majorly, the component is funded by the European Union and the United States through the United Nations.

The contribution would help in paying stipends for troops from contributing nations. Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Burundi contributed close to 22,000 soldiers for the ATMIS mission but the team started tactical withdrawal last year ahead of full exit this year.

These forces are key in supporting Somalia’s security, working with the Somali National Army to protect critical infrastructure and combat al-Shabaab insurgents. The last batch of ATMIS shall leave by the end of 2024 and the new contingent dubbed the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) shall take over.

“By supporting ATMIS, we are not only investing in Somalia’s security today but also in its stability and prosperity tomorrow,” said British Ambassador to Somalia, Mike Nithavrianakis. He called on other international partners to contribute towards Somalia’s future, emphasizing the importance of shared responsibility in regional security.

Somalia’s Defence Minister, Abdikadir Mohamed Nur, expressed his appreciation for the UK’s continued partnership, stating, “This funding is critical in supporting the efforts of ATMIS and Somali security forces.” He highlighted the significance of international backing in creating a sustainable and secure future for Somalia.

The African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye also expressed gratitude for the UK’s contribution and emphasized the importance of continued international support, the UK government said.

"I wish to sincerely thank the British Embassy for its continued support to the AU and for this generous and timely £7.5 million contribution to ATMIS. We urge other partners to follow the UK’s example and invest in Somalia’s security to ensure lasting peace and stability in Somalia and the wider region."

Somalia projects that the peacekeeping team along with the US Africa Command would help defeat the Al-Shabaab militants by working closely with the Somali National Army (SNA). The local troops are expected to take over security responsibilities gradually by 2027.

GAROWE ONLINE