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ATMIS head says AU force to deliver on mandate ahead of exit

Storyline:National News, Security

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: New ATMIS chief Mohamed El-Amine Souef has assured of his commitment to ensuring the AU force delivers fully on its mandate as it nears the start of the last year of the transition period in Somalia.

Speaking during a meeting with foreign diplomats, representatives of UN agencies and the Federal Government on Saturday, Souef said the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) will work closely with Somali government to stabilise the country ahead of its exit in April 2024.

“ATMIS is committed to delivering fully on its mandate. On behalf of the ATMIS staff, military, police and civilians, I reiterate our commitment to work closely with you to support the plans and activities of the government and people of Somalia.” said Ambassador Souef.

Ambassador Souef pledged to work with all partners to support efforts towards the reconstruction and development of Somalia for the benefit of the Somali people.

“I pledge my unreserved support and commitment to work closely with you all as we continue to support the restoration of peace and stability in Somalia.”

According to the new mandate approved by the AU Peace and Security Council, ATMIS will serve for two years from April 2022. ATMIS replaced AMISOM which had been in operation in Somalia since 2007.

The Uganda Ambassador to Somalia, Maj. Gen. (rtd) Nathan Mugisha, who spoke on behalf of ambassadors from ATMIS Troop Contributing Countries, urged international partners to support Somalia in implementing the recently launched National Stabilisation Strategy.

“This is the right moment to support this stabilisation efforts; and we expect the timely intervention to support this programme will be very successful,” said Ambassador Mugisha.

ATMIS is the largest peace support mission in Africa and has been mandated by both the African Union Peace and Security Council and the United Nations to reduce the threat posed by Al-Shabaab and support peace and reconciliation efforts towards a secure and stable Somalia.