Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.
AUSSOM Troop and Police Contributing Countries — during the conclusion of a pivotal four-day technical working session on March 26, 2025. /AUSSOM/X
Wednesday marked the end of a significant milestone as delegates from the African Union Commission (AUC), Somalia, and troop-contributing nations wrapped up a vital four-day conference. The aim? To iron out the intricacies of capacity building for the peace mission in Somalia. A place where hopes intertwine with challenges. It’s a land of opportunity, one might argue; would you agree?
The meeting concluded with crucial advancements in the force composition and deployment strategies of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This was reported in a statement from Mogadishu, Somalia’s vibrant capital.
The head of the AUC delegation, Billy Atwoki Winter, highlighted a key deliverable from this engagement. “We have finalized the Statement of Unit Requirements (SUR), detailing the precise troop and police capabilities essential for AUSSOM to fulfill its mandate effectively,” he said. His words echo the meticulous planning and bold vision underpinning this mission.
The agreed SUR is no ordinary document. It meticulously lays down the force composition, weaving together the operational and logistical threads that will support AUSSOM’s military and police contingents. Could this be a blueprint for lasting stability? It’s a question that certainly deserves attention.
This detailed SUR includes various critical components: Quick Reaction Forces, Tactical Battle Groups, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capabilities — a spectrum of aviation enablers and police components. All these designed to elevate AUSSOM’s operational effectiveness against the al-Shabab insurgency, towards stabilizing a region, rich in both natural beauty and complex history.
As the AUC, the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), and representatives from AUSSOM Troop and Police Contributing Countries gathered to conclude the session, a narrative of optimism etched itself into the annals of regional peace-making. It’s about moving forward, always focusing on the silver lining. In the words of Senior Defense Advisor to the Somali President, Jihan Abdullahi Hassan, “Planning for AUSSOM must be centered on Somalia’s national security vision to ensure that its startup is phased, sustainable, and based on lessons learned from previous missions.” A reflective moment perhaps, for anyone who’s ever had to learn from past adversities.
AUSSOM stepped into the shoes of ATMIS on January 1 under a novel Concept of Operations ratified by the AU Peace and Security Council in August 2024. It’s akin to a changing of the guard, reflective of evolving strategies in peace missions as the world watches closely. Are they achieving their objectives or adapting in real-time to changing dynamics?
Among other topics, the meeting delved into finalizing sector boundaries and operational territories. This ensures a cohesion in military and police deployments, which include calculated repatriation plans. Strategic tweaks were also made, ushering in a new era of agility and responsiveness for the forces. This activity seeks to dismantle old limitations and set the stage for a renewed bid to bring peace and stability to Somalia.
Is there an element of poetic justice as AUSSOM prepares to become fully operational come July 1? Only time will tell whether aspirations blend harmoniously with reality on the ground. The enduring stories of heroism, sacrifice, and dedication that emerge from such missions often offer a profound insight into the human spirit.
