UN extends AU troops' stay in Somalia

NEW YORK, USA - The United Nations [UN] Security Council has approved an extension of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] stay in Somalia, following a request by both the peacekeepers and the federal government of the Horn of Africa nation.

Wednesday's extension means ATMIS will continue helping the Somali National Army [SNA] and regional security forces in the fight against Al-Shabaab for the next six months. The next review will be carried out on June 30th, 2024, just six months before the intended exit from the country.

The 15-member council unanimously approved resolution 2710, which requires the over 17,000 soldiers from the African Union to continue staying in the country. The council also requested that 3,000 soldiers be withdrawn by December 2023, following a technical pause in September 2023.

The government of Somalia had requested the technical pause of withdrawal of 3,000 soldiers in September, a move which was approved by the African Union and Security Council. Somalia had seen logistical challenges while making the request.

The latest resolution authorizes 14,626 uniformed personnel from Jan. 1, 2024, till June 30, 2024, and to complete the phase 3 drawdown of 4,000 ATMIS personnel by the latter date. By December 2024, it is anticipated that ATMIS will have handed over security responsibilities to the Somali National Army.

By March 2024, both the federal government of Somalia and the African Union are required to do a technical assessment of evaluating phase II of the withdrawal of soldiers from the country before further deliberations are undertaken.

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, the US Africa Command, and local militia have been instrumental in dislodging Al-Shabaab from strategic hideouts in the country. Somalia is currently embroiled in the second phase of operations against Al-Shabaab which would target Jubaland and Southwest.

Although the operations are yet to be activated fully, the military is combing through HirShabelle and Galmadug states where the first phase left over 3000 militants dead. A number of Al-Shabaab terrorists are also surrendering to the federal government of Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE