The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has announced that it will resume and conclude Phase 2 drawdown of 3000 troops by 31st December 2023 after an agreement was reached at Tripartite Committee Meeting.

Together with the Head of UN Security Council, Asio Kacyira, the National Security Advisor, Hussein Sheikh-Ali ATMIS Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, Police Commissioner, CP Hillary Kanu and the Deputy Chief of Defense Forces, Gen. Abas Amin, we have confirmed that ATMIS will hand over 8 military bases to Somalia Security Forces,” ATMIS stated on its website.

Added, “We extend our sincere gratitude to H.E. President Hassan Mohamud and the Federal Government of Somalia for their support and cooperation and reaffirm our deep commitment to Somalia’s security and stability.”

The first phase of 2000 troops was successfully withdrawn at the end of June and six Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) handed over to the Somali Security Forces (SSF).

Around 14,000 troops will remain in Somalia as mandated by the UN Security Council Resolutions 2628 and 2670, which require the ATMIS to gradually hand over security responsibilities to Somali security forces ahead of the exit from Somalia on Dec. 31, 2024.

The United Nations Support Office in Somalia will ensure the equipment and other facilities handed over to the Somali security forces by exiting ATMIS troops are in good condition and the Somali forces are capacitated on how to use them.