ATMIS, UN Commit to Smooth Security Transition in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Xinhua: The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and the United Nations are committed to bringing lasting peace to the country.

In separate messages issued Wednesday evening in the Somali capital of Mogadishu during Eid al-Fitr celebrations marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the two missions said they would cooperate closely with Somalia and all interested parties to ensure the success of the ongoing transition process, which will lead to the full transfer of security responsibilities to the Somali Security Forces (SSF) by the end of December.

“ATMIS will continue to work closely with the government of Somalia and all partners for the success of the ongoing transition, to ensure lasting peace, security, and prosperity in Somalia, and to pray for an end to the long years of sacrifice and suffering by the people of Somalia,” it said.

UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia Catriona Laing reaffirmed her continued commitment to supporting the government and partners in promoting peace and stability throughout Somalia.

In 2023, ATMIS began withdrawing its troops from Somalia in accordance with the UN Security Council resolution.

ATMIS completed the first and second phases of its withdrawal of 5,000 troops and handed over 13 military bases to the SSF. An additional 4,000 troops are expected to be withdrawn by the end of June.