(15/11/23) MOGADISHU – The United Nations Security Council has unanimously extended the mandate of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) until 30 June 2024 on Wednesday, through Resolution 2710 (2023). This extension allows the deployment of up to 17,626 personnel until the end of 2023, followed by a reduction to 14,626 from January 2024. The Council emphasizes the need for a gradual drawdown in line with Somalia’s security requirements and plans a joint assessment by March 2024 to evaluate this process.
Additionally, the Council adopted Resolution 2711 (2023), renewing sanctions against Al-Shabaab, including a ban on charcoal exports and components for improvised explosive devices. The mandate of the Panel of Experts overseeing these sanctions is also extended until the end of 2023.
Representatives from Ghana, Gabon, Mozambique, and the United States highlighted the importance of international support for Somalia’s fight against Al-Shabaab and stressed the need for careful planning and resources in the transition process. The upcoming security conference in New York on 12 December will further discuss Somalia’s security needs beyond 2024.
