Africa: AU Suspends Plans to Reduce ATMIS Forces

The African Union considered Somalia’s request to suspend plans to reduce ATMIS forces at its 1121st meeting on 11 November 2022.

African Union Commission Chairman Moussa Faki sent a letter to the Security Council (UNSC) to approve a reduction of 2,000 troops after December 2022.

“I am affirming support of the DFS request to extend ATMIS Phase 1 of the reduction of 2,000 ATMIS troops from 31 December 2022 to 30 June 2023, with a review of operational timings, reaffirming the commitment to maintain the withdrawal date of 31 December 2024,” said the African Union chairman.

The African Union welcomed AU/UN collaboration in advocating for AU Member States with the aim of mobilizing the necessary funds and other resources to support the mandate of ATMIS by strengthening operational capabilities.

The African Union also commended the DFS’s prompt efforts in the fight against al-Shabaab and encouraged the government to equally redouble its efforts to integrate the forces to effectively take responsibility. Full security on departure of foreign forces.

The ATMIS mission came into effect after the end of AMISOM’s mandate in April this year. The government of Somalia and the African Union have agreed that the ATMIS operation will end in 2024.