Fresh Troops from Djibouti, Kenya, Uganda, and Burundi Deployed in Somalia After Successful ATMIS Campaign

In a recent Twitter Space gathering, Somalia’s National Security Advisor, Hussein Sheikh Ali, announced that troops from Djibouti, Kenya, Uganda, and Burundi are set to replace the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) when they depart by the end of December 2024.

Once ATMIS leaves, Ethiopian troops will not be involved in the AU forces in Somalia. Talks are ongoing with international allies about deploying multinational troops for a year starting in January 2025. The specifics of the new mission and troop numbers are still being worked out.

Relations between Ethiopia and Somalia soured after Ethiopia inked a deal with North Western of Somalia, granting them sea access and a military base in return for potential recognition. Somalia rejected the deal, leading to the expulsion of the Ethiopian ambassador and the closure of Ethiopian consulates in North Western of Somalia and Northeastern State in April.