Troops Contributing Countries Back Somalia’s Request for Temporary Suspension of ATMIS Exit

In a significant development, Somalia has received widespread support for its request to delay the withdrawal of African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) troops. The country had formally requested the United Nations Security Council to pause the ongoing exit of peacekeeping troops for a period of three months in order to effectively combat the Al-Shabaab insurgency.

Sources with knowledge of the matter have revealed that the five African Union countries contributing troops to AMISOM have strongly backed Somalia’s appeal for a temporary halt in troop drawdown. This collective support would allow Somalia to mobilize necessary resources and troops to tackle the security situation before the peacekeepers’ exit.

The Foreign Ministers of Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Burundi have reportedly sent a letter to the UN Secretary-General and the UN Security Council President, affirming their support for Somalia’s request. If approved, this move would extend the stay of these countries’ troops in Somalia for a limited period.

These five nations collectively contribute to more than 99 percent of the soldiers deployed under AMISOM. While 2,000 soldiers had already withdrawn from Somalia in June, an additional 3,000 were expected to leave by the end of the week. However, if the delay is granted, it is likely that the majority, if not all, of the AMISOM troops will only depart by the end of December 2024, allowing the Somali National Army to gradually assume security responsibilities.

Somalia is currently engaged in active operations against Al-Shabaab militants in the central regions of HirShabelle and Galmadug states. The government also plans to launch the second phase of operations in Jubaland and Southwest states, intensifying its efforts to combat the insurgency.