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Somalia forces take over key positions as AU mission scales back presence

ATIMIS forces in a file photo in Somalia.

By Hassan Mohamed | Thursday, February 1, 2024

The African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia (ATMIS) withdrew 3,000 forces from seven frontline positions.

The African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia (ATMIS) withdrew 3,000 forces from seven frontline positions by December 2023, in line with its transitional mandate from UN Security Council resolution 2710 to gradually withdraw from Somalia by the end of 2024.

The forces were withdrawn from State House and Parliament in Mogadishu, Burache, Serille and Kismayo old port in Lower Juba region, Bio Adaale, Raga Eele and Qorillow in Middle Shabelle region.

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According to an ATMIS statement shared on social media, the withdrawn forces are from Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda, four of the five countries that contribute troops to ATMIS. The fifth is Djibouti.

Official handover documents were signed this week between the AU Mission and Somalia in a closed-door ceremony held at ATMIS's main Halane base headquarters in Mogadishu.

"The drawdown of 3,000 troops, and handover of the seven military bases which include Bulo Adde, Raga Eele, Parliament, State House, Qorillow, Burahache, and Kismayo Old Port mark a watershed moment in the ongoing Somalia security transition process," ATMIS said in a statement after the handover.

The AU peacekeeping mission first deployed to Somalia in March 2007 and grew to a force of slightly over 22,000 troops over the years. Uganda was the first country to deploy, followed by Burundi and others. The mission now maintains a force of slightly more than 14,626 troops following subsequent drawdowns, including the latest.

ATMIS's next drawdown is planned for later this year in late June, when 4,000 more troops are expected to be withdrawn.

ATMIS is a multidimensional mission consisting of military, police, and civilian personnel. It is authorized by the African Union and mandated by the UN Security Council with the mandate to degrade Al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups, provide security to population centers, develop the capacity of the Somali Security Forces and government institutions, and support peace and reconciliation efforts in Somalia.