AUSSOM

U.S. halts support for Somalia’s elite Danab commandos, raising alarm as AU forces prepare to leave MOGADISHU, Somalia — The United States has suspended its support for Somalia’s elite Danab special forces, reliable sources told Axadle on Monday, a move that could reshape the fragile security balance as African Union troops prepare to withdraw next year. The decision, described to journalists by sources who asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the subject, follows growing U.S. concerns about “accountability…

Egypt’s Troops Prepare to Join Somalia Mission, Recasting the Horn’s Security Equation The Egyptian flag will soon fly alongside others on the front lines of Somalia’s long war with al-Shabab. After a week of site visits and quiet consultations in Mogadishu, an Egyptian military team has wrapped up an assessment that clears the way for Cairo’s first troop deployment to the African Union Support Mission in Somalia, or AUSSOM. On paper, it’s a straightforward move—one more nation committing forces to an African Union effort…

Mogadishu (AX) — The ball is in Somalia's court when it comes to deciding if Ethiopian forces will be part of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, or AUSSOM, that's set to kick off at the start of 2025, said UK Ambassador Michael Nithavrianakis.During a chinwag with reporters, Ambassador Nithavrianakis shed some light on diplomatic dances being orchestrated by Kenya and Turkey to help chill out the frosty relations between Somalia and Ethiopia.“Ethiopia’s been a key player in the ATMIS mission as…

Mogadishu (AX) - The Somali government firmly declared its control over selecting which international allies will provide forces for the African Union's upcoming Stabilization Mission in Somalia, known as AUSSOM, set to succeed the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) at the dawn of January 2024. On Wednesday, a formal communique from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscored the necessity for troop decisions to mesh with Somalia’s core interests and sovereign rights. The administration took a strong…

In Mogadishu, work is bustling on the blueprint and bankroll strategies for the upcoming African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia, known as AUSSOM, set to replace ATMIS a mere three months down the line. The word on the street, according to an ATMIS announcement, is that talks sparked on September 24 when a combined crew from the AU/UN touched down in Mogadishu. With a hand from the Somali Federal Government, troop donors, and international pals, they're hustling to whip up a thorough report on the…

Mogadishu (AX) – On Saturday, Abdukhadir Mohamed Noor, Somalia’s Defense Minister, firmly stated that Ethiopian troops would not join the forthcoming African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) unless Ethiopia exits the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement with North Western State of Somalia.During a media briefing in Mogadishu, Minister Noor explained that Somalia is considering different contingencies to replace the Ethiopian forces if there's no withdrawal from the MoU.“Ethiopian troops won't participate in…

Somalia Prepares for AUSSOM as ATMIS Heads for Departure MOGADISHU, Somalia - With keen anticipation, the United Nations and the U.S. look forward to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) evolving into the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). They stress how crucial early groundwork is for a seamless transition. ATMIS is scheduled to transfer responsibilities to AUSSOM this upcoming January, and troops have begun their exit from Somalia. However, this shift occurs amid…