On Thursday, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 2748, granting the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) the authority to remain in the country through December 2024. This extension allows ATMIS to continue its work as it gradually transfers security responsibilities to Somali forces by the end of the year.
The resolution comes as ATMIS has been scaling back its presence in Somalia, preparing for the eventual handover of security duties to the Somali National Forces. Somali Ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman acknowledged the necessity of the extension, stating, “We recognize the necessity of extending ATMIS resolution until December 2024 to ensure a smooth transition as we prepare for the post-ATMIS security arrangement in 2025. It’s imperative to commit to the required support enabling Somali National Forces and ATMIS to continue its vital work. This collaborative effort is crucial as we work towards a successful transition to the new peacekeeping framework.”
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However, Ambassador Osman also expressed concerns about the delays in the drawdown process, emphasizing the importance of coordination between Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) and UN contractors. “Unfortunately, we have witnessed delays in nearly all phases of the drawdown. Therefore, coordination between TCC countries and UN contractors is paramount in this process. Effective collaborations not only facilitate the safe and orderly withdrawal of peacekeeping forces but also minimize the potential disruptions that could arise during this critical phase,” he added.
The resolution follows months of discussions, during which Somalia requested the United Nations to end its peacekeeping mission in the country to intensify efforts against the al-Qaida-linked extremist group al-Shabab.
