UN Engages in Discussions to Facilitate a Secure Security Transition in Somalia

In ongoing talks with Somalia and the African Union Transition Mission to Somalia (ATMIS), a UN official, Martha Pobee, emphasized the organization’s commitment to ensuring a successful security transition.

The UN’s objective is to facilitate the gradual withdrawal of ATMIS troops while empowering the SomaliA security forces to assume full control without compromising security achievements as reported by the official.

UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, Martha Pobee, leading a recent delegation to Somalia, underscored her role in coordinating with ATMIS and the Somalia government. The primary focus is on executing the security transition in a manner that reinforces and consolidates the progress made.

According to the established drawdown schedule, approximately 3,000 ATMIS forces were slated to depart Somalia by the end of September, with the gradual withdrawal expected to continue until December 2024.

During discussions with senior leadership of ATMIS and the UN Mission in Somalia, Pobee stressed the significance of her visit in fortifying collaboration among ATMIS, the Somalia government, and international partners. The aim is to shape Somalia’s security landscape post the anticipated ATMIS exit in December 2024.

Mohammed El-Amine Souef, the special representative of the Chairperson of the AU Commission for Somalia and head of ATMIS, commended ATMIS for its pivotal role in stabilizing the country and ongoing efforts to ensure a seamless transfer of security responsibilities to the Somalia Security Forces.