The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has resumed the process of transferring security responsibilities to Somali government forces. The mission’s resumption comes after a three-month pause and is a significant step towards the eventual complete handover of security control to the Somali authorities.
In a noteworthy development, ATMIS handed over security control of the State House, also known as Villa Somalia, where Somali President Mohammed Hassan Sheikh Mohamud resides and works. Moreover, responsibilities for security at the parliament building, situated in close proximity to the presidential palace, have also been entrusted to the Somali forces.
This move holds immense significance as both the executive and legislative branches of the Somali government will now be solely safeguarded by the country’s own security forces. Since 2007, AU forces have been instrumental in securing crucial sites in the capital, including the presidential palace, the parliament building, airport, and seaport.
In an interview with VOA Somali, Mohamed El-Amine Souef, the AU envoy to Somalia and the head of ATMIS, affirmed the resumption of the drawdown. He highlighted the handover of the State House and the parliament as a major achievement, signaling the readiness of the Federal Government of Somalia to assume its security responsibilities. Souef also revealed that the mission plans to withdraw 3,000 soldiers by December 31st and hand over responsibilities for 10 bases in this phase of the drawdown.
A significant voice in this process, Hussein Sheikh-Ali, the national security adviser to the President of Somalia, confirmed the transfer of security control of the palace to the Somali army and police. He expressed gratitude to the Ugandan forces who have diligently protected it for the past 16 years.
The momentum of this transitional phase gained traction with the conclusion of the first phase of the AU drawdown in June, during which 2,000 troops left Somalia. However, in September, the Somali government requested a 90-day “technical pause” of the drawdown following military setbacks in the central regions’ offensive against the al-Shabab militants, who have been in conflict with the government since 2007.
Notably, a meeting in New York last week endorsed Somalia’s security sector development plan, underlining the country’s efforts to bolster its security infrastructure. According to Ali, the plan encompasses the generation of significant land forces, a federal and regional police force, and members of the custodial corps to fortify the country’s prison system.
The resilience and determination of the Somali government have been palpable as they strive to match the required number and quality of forces to establish a professional army capable of assuming responsibilities from ATMIS. It’s indicative of a broader international cooperation as countries like Ethiopia, Uganda, Eritrea, Egypt, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and the European Union have stepped forward to support Somalia in this endeavor.
An additional boost to the Somali government’s capabilities came with the recent lifting of an arms embargo, empowering them to acquire the necessary arms, equipment, and ammunition. This development, combined with the unwavering commitment of the Somali authorities, indicates their preparedness to assume greater responsibilities in the security domain.
The transition from the original African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to ATMIS in April last year paved the way for the current drawdown agreement between the Somali government and the AU. The eventual handover of responsibilities to Somali authorities by the end of next year will not mark the end of AU support to Somalia. Instead, a new mission with a renewed mandate is envisioned to support Somalia’s national army and protect critical infrastructure in the country.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding the new mission, there are indications that the Somali government is negotiating a “multilateral protection force” post-ATMIS. Though details remain scarce, the proposed force, operating under the AU umbrella, is expected to collaborate closely with Somali Security Forces for the protection of critical infrastructures in major cities.
The resumption of the drawdown by ATMIS signifies a pivotal turning point in Somalia’s journey towards self-sufficiency in security matters. As the key stakeholders navigate this transitional period, the resolve and collaboration displayed thus far are testaments to the collective commitment towards stability and progress in Somalia.
