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The African Union (AU) has reaffirmed its commitment to stabilizing Somalia by launching a new peacekeeping mission, the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which commenced operations on January 1, 2025. This initiative aims to build upon the achievements of the previous mission, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), to ensure long-term peace and security in the region.
Transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM
The transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM was formalized following the United Nations Security Council’s adoption of Resolution 2767 on December 27, 2024. This resolution endorsed the African Union Peace and Security Council’s decision to replace ATMIS with AUSSOM, marking a new phase in international efforts to support Somalia’s stabilization and post-conflict recovery.
Maman Sidikou, the AU Special Representative for Somalia, emphasized that AUSSOM’s mandate includes supporting Somalia in its fight against al-Shabaab, strengthening stabilization efforts, and enabling the delivery of humanitarian assistance. He stated, “AUSSOM has finally become operational, beginning Jan. 1, 2025, as per UN Security Council Resolution 2767 (2024). It will build on the achievements made under ATMIS to ensure Somalia realizes long-term peace and security.”
Objectives of AUSSOM
AUSSOM’s primary objectives are to:
Support Somali Security Forces: Collaborate with Somali national security institutions to combat al-Shabaab militants and other insurgent groups.
Facilitate Stabilization Efforts: Assist in the stabilization of liberated areas, ensuring the establishment of effective governance structures.
Enable Humanitarian Assistance: Create secure environments that allow for the safe delivery of humanitarian aid to vulnerable populations.
The mission will operate with a focus on transitioning security responsibilities to Somali forces, promoting national ownership and self-reliance in maintaining peace and security.
International Support and Collaboration
The establishment of AUSSOM has garnered support from various international partners. In October 2024, the United States, along with Qatar, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom, discussed the urgency of finalizing funding options for the new mission, underscoring the global commitment to Somalia’s stability.
Additionally, Somalia has welcomed offers from countries like Egypt to deploy peacekeeping troops as part of AUSSOM. In October 2024, during a summit in Asmara, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi expressed readiness to contribute troops to the mission, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation in achieving lasting peace in Somalia.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the progress made, Somalia continues to face security challenges, particularly from al-Shabaab militants who have been responsible for numerous attacks in the region. The success of AUSSOM will largely depend on effective collaboration between the AU, Somali authorities, and international partners to address these threats and support the country’s path toward stability.
The AU’s commitment to Somalia’s stabilization through AUSSOM reflects a strategic approach to peacekeeping, focusing on empowering Somali institutions and promoting sustainable peace. As the mission begins its mandate, the international community remains hopeful that AUSSOM will play a pivotal role in achieving security and development objectives in Somalia.