Wednesday October 16, 2024
ATMIS (African Union Transition Mission in Somalia) troops patrol near an armored personnel carrier during operations in Somalia.
Mogadishu (HOL) — The United Kingdom has announced an additional £7.5 million in funding to support the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), bringing its total contribution to £77 million since 2021.
The UK's contribution will provide stipends for troops from Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda, who form the backbone of ATMIS's mission.
British Ambassador to Somalia, Mike Nithavrianakis, emphasized the UK's long-term commitment to Somalia's security and development. "By supporting ATMIS, we are not only investing in Somalia's security today but also in its future stability and prosperity," he said. Nithavrianakis also called for more international support, urging both traditional and non-traditional partners to contribute to Somalia's security initiatives.
Somalia's Defence Minister, Abdikadir Mohamed Nur, praised the UK's contribution, stating, "This funding is critical in supporting the efforts of ATMIS and Somali security forces. We deeply appreciate the UK's continued partnership as we work towards rebuilding a safer and more secure Somalia."
ATMIS (African Union Transition Mission in Somalia) is set to conclude by December 2024 as part of a phased exit plan, transitioning responsibilities to the Somali National Army (SNA) and local forces. This transition will culminate with the introduction of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) in January 2025.
AUSSOM will continue supporting Somali security forces, but with a smaller contingent of around 11,000 troops, focusing on urban security and infrastructure protection. Its goal is to build Somalia's capacity to manage its own security while minimizing the risk of a power vacuum that al-Shabaab could exploit.