African Union Launches New Mission for Somalia's Stabilization Efforts in 2025
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Mogadishu, Jan 1 (NationPress) The newly formed African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia announced its commitment on Wednesday to support the nation's stabilization efforts aimed at 2025 and post-conflict recovery as it officially began its operations.
The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) has taken over from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), marking a significant step forward in the process of transferring national security duties to Somalia's own forces.
In his New Year address, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia, Mohamed El-Amine Souef, stated that 2024 would be a crucial year for Somalia, highlighted by important advancements in peace and security, driven by the collaborative efforts of the Somali government and the pan-African organization's peace mission.
"AUSSOM is now operational, effective January 1, 2025, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2767 (2024). This mission will build on the groundwork laid by ATMIS to help Somalia achieve lasting peace and security," Souef remarked.
On December 27, 2024, the UN Security Council (UNSC) affirmed the decision of the African Union Peace and Security Council to transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM.
Souef mentioned that ATMIS had made notable progress by relocating military bases to the Somali Security Forces in 2024, aligning with the Somalia Transition Plan. This transition, Souef emphasized, indicates that the Somali security forces have gained the essential skills to manage the nation's security independently.
In collaboration with development partners, ATMIS also launched various quick-impact initiatives, such as building boreholes, classrooms, police stations, and rehabilitating health centers to enhance the living conditions of residents in liberated regions.
The AU envoy stated that AUSSOM would continue its engagements, following the guidelines set by the AU Peace and Security Council communications and UNSC resolutions, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The UNSC has also permitted AU member states to undertake necessary actions for 12 months starting January 1, which includes aiding the Somali government in combating al-Shabaab and entities linked to the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, commonly known as Da'esh.
In January, Somalia is set to assume its role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council following its successful election. This milestone represents a significant achievement in Somalia's recent history and offers the nation an opportunity to contribute to global peace and security, according to Souef.
Somalia continued its journey toward economic revitalization in March 2024, when it became a full member of the East African Community, a regional trading bloc with a market of over 170 million people. "With the longest coastline in Africa, exceeding 3,000 km, and abundant natural resources, Somalia is strategically positioned to emerge as a significant player within this economic bloc," noted the AU envoy.
