UN Security Council extends AU mission in Somalia to December

The U.N. Security Council unanimously approved on Thursday the extension of the African Union’s peacekeeping mission in Somalia through the end of the year.

The British-sponsored resolution permits the African Union to continue deploying up to 12,626 uniformed personnel, including 1,040 police officers, for the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) until December 31.

It also requests that the U.N. political mission in Somalia continue providing logistical support to the African peacekeepers.

Approval has been given by the African Union Peace and Security Council for the establishment of a successor mission, as ATMIS is set to disband by the end of the year.

An August 1 communiqué from the AU Council, proposing an AU-led peace support operation to replace ATMIS, was welcomed by the Security Council.

The resolution also calls on U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the head of the AU Commission to consult with Somalia and key international stakeholders and report back to the Security Council by November 15 on the design of the successor mission.

The design should be guided by a clear national political strategy to support the Federal Government of Somalia in its transition from conflict to peace, "in full compliance with the UN Human Rights Due-diligence Policy and the African Union Compliance and Accountability Framework."

The head of ATMIS inspects a KDF guard of honour in Dhobley, Somalia. (Photo: ATMIS)

"The Security Council today extended its authorisation of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) until the end of the year, expressing grave concern that Al-Shabaab continues to pose a serious threat to the peace, security, and stability of Somalia and the region," the resolution stated.

The 15-member council urged traditional and new donors to support ATMIS and requested the Secretary-General to continue providing a logistical support package through the U.N. Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS).

Additionally, until December 31, the resolution continues to support 20,900 members of the Somali National Army or Somali National Police Force who are participating in joint or coordinated operations with ATMIS.

Financing the new mission remains a key issue, and the resolution requests an update on the estimated costs and resources needed by October 11.

To ensure continued progress on the security transition, the resolution encourages Somalia to keep developing and implementing its Security Sector Development Plan so that the country "can eventually assume full responsibility for, and ownership of, its security."