ATMIS Announces Resumption of Troop Withdrawal from Somalia

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has disclosed plans to recommence the second phase of troop withdrawal from Somalia in the upcoming week. ATMIS has affirmed its commitment to reducing troop presence by an additional 3,000 personnel and facilitating the transfer of control over multiple military bases to Somalia security forces by December 31.

This strategic drawdown aligns with the directives outlined in the African Union Communique and adheres to UN Security Council Resolution. ATMIS underscores that the decision for the second phase of the drawdown is based on recommendations stemming from a comprehensive joint technical assessment concluded in August.

ATMIS emphasizes the significance of this upcoming phase as a noteworthy milestone in the ongoing process of transitioning security responsibilities from ATMIS to the Somali authorities. The statement was issued in Mogadishu, underlining the diplomatic and collaborative nature of this transition.

In the initial phase concluded in June, ATMIS successfully withdrew 2,000 troops and transferred control of seven military bases to Somalia Security Forces, in strict accordance with UN Security Council Resolutions 2687 and 2670.