(06-06-23) MOGADISHU — In one of her first meetings in Mogadishu, UN Special Representative Catriona Lang met with Mohammed El-Amine Souef, the African Union (AU) Special Representative to Somalia and Head of the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) on Monday. The representatives held talks regarding UN-ATMIS cooperation, Somalia’s security transition, and the essential role of African Union peacekeepers in supporting Somali security.
Lang’s visit comes at a crucial time, just a day after she arrived in Mogadishu to begin her tenure. She replaced James Swan, whose term of duty in Somalia ended recently. Ambassador Lang’s role in this strategic meeting underscores her commitment to fostering strong international relations and bolstering Somalia’s transition to stability and peace.
The meeting came after the recent attack by Al-Shabaab on ATMIS forces in Bulo Mareer, Lower Shabelle region. As ATMIS forces plan to withdraw from Somalia, the security responsibility is expected to shift to the Somali National Army, which will necessitate intensive preparation and coordination.
Mohammed El-Amine Souef, in his capacity as Head of ATMIS, continues to play a crucial role in these discussions.
The cooperation between the UN and ATMIS, as highlighted in today’s meeting, emphasised the international commitment to restoring peace and stability in Somalia. The meeting served as a platform to strengthen their ties and to strategise on future collaborative efforts towards ensuring the success of the planned security transition.
