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The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) says it will ensure a seamless transfer of security responsibilities ahead of exiting the Horn of Africa country. 

The revelations are contained in a media release dated March 13, 2024, issued by the communications team of ATMIS.

“ATMIS is fully committed to the transition process, which will culminate in the transfer of full security responsibilities to the Somali Security Forces (SSF) by the end of December 2024,” African Union Special Representative for Somalia Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef, told a joint media briefing with Somalia’s information minister Daud Aweis, at Villa Somalia on Wednesday, March 13, 2024.

African Union Special Representative for Somalia Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef speaking during a joint media briefing with Somalia’s information minister Daud Aweis. (ATMIS photo)

Souef, however, emphasized the progressive transfer of security responsibilities to the SSF must be accompanied by adequate support in other critical areas to consolidate the hard-won gains made in securing Somalia.

“It is, therefore, imperative that all partners align their efforts and support Somalia to ensure smooth co-ordination and a successful transition that promotes its long-term stability and development,” he said.

As part of the transition process, ATMIS pulled out 5,000 troops from Somalia and handed over 13 military bases to the Somali Security Forces during the first and second phases of the drawdown concluded last year.

The third phase, targeting 4,000 troops, is scheduled for the end of June 2024.

“As part of the planning process, open and constructive discussions have already begun with the Federal Government of Somalia taking into consideration the lessons learned from the previous phases,” Souef said.

He commended the Federal Government and the people of Somalia for making significant progress on recovery as demonstrated by the country’s recent admission to the East African Community trade bloc.

Aweis assured Mogadishu residents of their safety and security during the Holy Month of Ramadhan.

ATMIS withdrawal, which is being conducted in phases, is in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions. The withdrawal includes the drawdown of troops from ATMIS soldier-contributing countries.

The last drawdown in December last year following a UN Security Council Resolution 2710 (2023) saw ATMIS withdraw 3,000 troops from Somalia and transfer control of eight (8) Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) by the end of December 2023.

African Union Special Representative for Somalia Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef speaking during a joint media briefing with Somalia’s information minister Daud Aweis. (ATMIS photo)

This process originally intended to conclude by the end of September 2023, was halted following a request by the Federal Government for a technical pause.

In 2007, Uganda was the first country to deploy boots on the ground in Somalia. Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti are the other troop-contributing countries under ATMIS. However, from June 15, 2023, the entity started reducing the number of soldiers in Somalia.

The move is in line with the agreed Concept of Operations (CONOPs) and UN Security Council Resolutions 2628 and 2670.