MOGADISHU, Somalia – The African Union’s high-level delegation arrived in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, Saturday night to evaluate the continued troop withdrawal, whose second part started in December 2023.
The African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) mentioned the AU crew, which is led by Alhaji Sarjoh Bah, the director of battle administration inside the Political Affairs, Peace and Safety Division of the African Union Fee, may also focus on post-ATMIS technique for 2024.
“The delegation is scheduled to have interaction in a sequence of conferences with officers from the Federal Authorities of Somalia and worldwide companions,” ATMIS mentioned in an announcement issued in Mogadishu.
ATMIS was anticipated to have diminished its troop presence in Somalia by a further 3,000 and switch management of a number of army bases to Somali safety by Dec. 31, 2023.
In response to ATMIS, this strategic method goals to align with Somalia’s overarching safety transition goals, making certain a cautious and well-planned discount in troop presence.
Bah mentioned the AU crew will maintain consultations with the Somali authorities officers and worldwide companions on ATMIS transition and modalities for the deployment of a brand new mission in January 2025.
“It’s the end result of 17 years of expensive peace enforcement in Somalia. A easy transition is vital to consolidate the good points,” Bah mentioned on his X, previously Twitter.
Within the first part of the drawdown, which concluded in June 2023, ATMIS withdrew 2,000 troops and transferred management of seven militaries to Somali Safety Forces, as mandated by UN Safety Council Resolutions 2687 and 2670.
UN Secretary-Basic’s Particular Consultant for Somalia Catriona Laing welcomed the AU crew to Mogadishu for this crucial mission.
“Our robust partnership because the AU and UN underneath the management of the federal government of Somalia and with different worldwide companions is showcasing what we will obtain after we work collectively to share objectives,” Laing mentioned.
