The UN Secretary-Spokesman, General’s António Guterres, issued the following statement today:
The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, which was recently established, is welcomed by the Secretary-General (ATMIS). He reaffirms the United Nations’ unwavering commitment to Somalia and pledges his full support to ATMIS and Somali security forces in their ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab.
In support of the country’s security transition, the Secretary-General urges all partners to urgently ensure sustainable and predictable funding for ATMIS and resourcing of Somali security forces. He hopes to work closely with the African Union, the Somali Federal Government, and all partners to support a phased handover of security responsibilities to Somali security forces.
The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has made significant progress over the last 15 years, according to the Secretary-General. He thanks the AMISOM troop and police contributing countries for their commitment to advancing peace in Somalia, and he remembers those who made the ultimate sacrifice.