AU endorses new security mission to replace Atmis in Somalia

AU endorses new security mission to replace Atmis in Somalia

The Peace and Security Council of the AU announced that the decision was approved on August 1.

The African Union (AU) has endorsed the establishment of a new mission in Somalia, named the AU Support and Stabilisation Mission (AUSSOM), which will replace the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (Atmis).

Atmis’s mandate will expire in December this year.

In a communique released on Wednesday, the Peace and Security Council of the AU announced that the decision was approved on August 1.

The council highlighted the significant progress in Somalia's security and political landscape but expressed concern over the ongoing threat posed by Al-Shabaab militants.

The council urged the AU to engage with international partners for support and funding to ensure a smooth transition to AUSSOM.

"Requests the AU Commission to continue extensive engagements with the UN, EU, and all strategic partners to ensure adequate, predictable, and sustainable funding and other forms of support, to fill the financial gaps for AUSSOM," the communique said.

The council directed the commission to report back by September on potential additional sources of funding.

Egypt and Djibouti have offered to contribute troops to AUSSOM, and the council called on other AU member states to support the mission if they are in a position to do so.

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