AU Security Council says Al-Shabaab may exploit gaps in ATMIS withdrawal

The African Union Peace and Security Council has warned that Al-Shabaab may take advantage of the expected withdrawal of 3,000 ATMIS forces unless it is done equitably following the commencement of ATMIS’ second phase to withdraw troops from Somalia.

The 15-member Council which endorsed the withdrawal of an additional 3,000 ATMIS troops ‘without any conditions’ by 30 September 2023 said the pull-out must be done equitably to prevent any security gap.

It also emphasized that the withdrawal of troops is undertaken in a manner that does not leave ATMIS vulnerable to attacks and that all efforts are directed towards enhanced ATMIS force protection during and following the drawdown as well as protection of the population within ATMIS Area of Operations.

The statement came a days after Somalia national army intensified its operations against Alshabab. However, The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) is expected to fully exit Somalia in December 2024.