(06/07/23) MOGADISHU – A delegation from the African Union, led by the AU Director of Conflict Management, was warmly welcomed in Somalia on Wednesday by Ambassador Mohamed El Amin, the AU representative in the country, and other ATMIS officials.
Over the next three days, the delegation will engage in discussions with ATMIS and UNSOS officials, ambassadors from ATMIS member states in Somalia, and representatives of local civil society groups.
This visit coincides with the conclusion of the first phase of ATMIS forces’ drawdown plan, marking a significant milestone in the transition of security responsibilities to the Somali Government. ATMIS has, to date, handed over seven bases, which were previously occupied by two thousand of their troops, to Somali forces.
Last week, the UN Security Council agreed to extend the deployment of these three thousand soldiers for up to six additional months. This measure aims to sustain the fight against Al Shabab terrorists and safeguard the gains made thus far.
