Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
The newly launched AU Mission in Somalia marks a pivotal shift in the African Union’s approach to Somalia’s security challenges. With a more structured mandate, AUSSOM replaces the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which concluded its operations in November 2024. This new mission is designed to address the evolving realities of Somalia’s security and stabilization needs while facing several challenges.
AUSSOM: A More Defined Role
Unlike its predecessors, AUSSOM’s mandate focuses on bolstering the Somali National Army (SNA), capacity-building, and protecting civilians from immediate threats. AUSSOM has a five-year timeline to gradually hand over security responsibilities to Somali forces and aims to withdraw completely by 2028.
The mission comprises 11,911 personnel, including 85 civilians and 680 police officers, significantly fewer than ATMIS’s 19,626 and AMISOM’s 22,000. This streamlined structure emphasizes efficiency and collaboration. According to the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), AUSSOM’s success will depend on its ability to align operational capabilities with its mandate, ensure adequate funding, and maintain effective coordination among stakeholders.
Ethiopia’s Absence and Regional Tensions
A notable difference in the mission’s composition is the absence of Ethiopian forces. Somalia has excluded Ethiopia following its controversial maritime agreement with Somaliland earlier this year. Somalia’s Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur stated, “Ethiopia’s actions violate our sovereignty and national unity.”
Challenges in Combatting al-Shabaab
The Somali government has made strides against al-Shabaab, with recent operations liberating significant territories. However, challenges remain. Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed criticized the current state of the SNA, claiming it lacks the capacity to independently combat al-Shabaab. Critics point to multiple requests for pauses in troop drawdowns as evidence of ongoing struggles.
In response, Defense Minister Nur highlighted progress, citing the training of a formidable army and the recovery of key territories. However, al-Shabaab’s resilience is evident, as shown in a recent roadside bomb attack in Mogadishu that killed three people.
UN’s Changing Role in Somalia
Simultaneously, the United Nations has restructured its mission in Somalia. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) has transitioned to the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTAMS). This mission focuses on facilitating elections, promoting human rights, and coordinating international donor support.
Financing and International Collaboration
The success of AUSSOM will depend heavily on international support and resources. ISS researchers emphasize the need for specialized equipment, including attack helicopters, and qualified personnel to meet the mission’s objectives.
The Path Forward
AUSSOM represents a critical step in Somalia’s journey toward stability. Its focus on capacity-building and phased withdrawal aligns with Somalia’s six-year Security Sector Development Plan, a comprehensive strategy to defeat al-Shabaab and strengthen national institutions. However, sustained international support and effective coordination will be essential to overcoming the challenges that lie ahead.
This mission offers hope for a more secure Somalia, but the road ahead will require concerted effort and global commitment to ensure success.