Contributing Nations to ATMIS Reinforce Commitment to Somalia’s Peacekeeping Efforts Beyond ATMIS
Mogadishu (AX) – Nations involved in the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) have pledged their continued support for peacekeeping efforts as ATMIS concludes in December 2024.
During last week’s African Defense Ministers Conference in Addis Ababa, defense chiefs from these countries confirmed their backing for the upcoming African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), starting January 2025.
They highlighted financial hurdles challenging both ATMIS and AUSSOM. Emphasizing the importance of integrating past insights from ATMIS, they urged collaboration with troop-contributing countries to ensure a successful transition into AUSSOM.
Amid discussions on rising tensions in the Horn of Africa, the transition complexities from ATMIS to AUSSOM were also explored. Former ATMIS Commander Major General Ndegeya Diomede, in conversation with Ethiopian media, urged Ethiopia to maintain its leadership role, given its previous efforts in stabilizing Somalia and its ability to assist other conflict-ridden areas such as Sudan.
Yet, Somalia resisted Ethiopia’s role in AUSSOM, citing a memorandum between Ethiopia and North Western State of Somalia from January 2024. Instead, Somalia is bolstering its regional security alliances. Recently, in a three-way meeting with Egypt and Eritrea held in Asmara, Somalia explored strategies to secure its land and maritime boundaries post-ATMIS.
Meanwhile, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is currently in Uganda to confer with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on bilateral relations and Somalia’s move towards self-sufficient security capabilities.
As reported by Villa Somalia, President Mohamud plans to visit other nations contributing troops to ATMIS shortly.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
