The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has reassured that there will be no security vacuum following the exit of the AU peacekeeping mission from Somalia in December 2024.
This assurance was made by General Cheick Dembele, the Head of the Peace Support Operations Division, during a visit to the frontline Forward Operating Bases of Xawaadleey and Qoryooley in the Middle and Lower Shabelle regions, respectively, on May 5, 2024.
“We have to make it in a professional and organized manner so that there is no security vacuum and the gains earned during the 17 years of presence are not lost.”Dembele stated.
General Dembele emphasized the importance of ensuring a smooth transfer of security responsibilities to Somali security forces, stating that this must be done in a professional and organized manner to prevent a security vacuum and to safeguard the gains earned during the 17 years of the AU’s presence in Somalia.
He highlighted that plans are underway to establish a post-ATMIS force to help protect strategic population centers, UN facilities, and key government installations.
Dembele further stated that the delegation of the tripartite committee comprising the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), and the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), would ensure a smooth transfer of security responsibilities to the Somali Security Forces.
The Special Representative included the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef, who accompanied the delegation to Baidoa, where they held discussions with the President of Southwest State, Hassan Mohamed Abdiaziz ‘Laftagareen.
According to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2710, which was made in 2023, The African Union transition mission (ATMIS) is expected to exit Somalia by the end of December 2024.
