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The UN Security Council has granted approval for the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which will take effect from January 1, 2025, marking a pivotal shift in the security dynamics of the Horn of Africa nation.
The resolution, adopted by 14 of the council’s 15 member states, with the United States abstaining, endorses the decision made by the African Union Peace and Security Council to replace the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) with AUSSOM.
This transition represents a significant step in Somalia’s broader plan to take on more national security responsibilities as it continues to recover from decades of instability. AUSSOM will focus on supporting the Somali government in countering militant groups, particularly Al-Shabaab, and affiliated elements of the Islamic State. The UN resolution grants the African Union the authority to deploy up to 12,626 uniformed personnel, including 1,040 police officers, with the mission slated to run until at least June 30, 2025.
The decision to authorize AUSSOM comes at a crucial juncture for Somalia, as the country grapples with a persistent insurgency from Al-Shabaab and ongoing instability. The mission will operate under the premise that Somalia’s security forces will gradually take on more responsibility for their own national defense. However, the road to full security self-sufficiency will remain challenging. The AU’s continued presence is expected to provide crucial stability as Somali forces work to secure key regions of the country.
The United States’ abstention from the vote has raised questions about its stance on the future of African peacekeeping operations and the role of external military support in Somalia. While the U.S. has long been a key partner in efforts to combat terrorism in Somalia, its decision not to support the resolution could signal a shift toward prioritizing Somali-led solutions, albeit with continued international assistance.
As the AU begins to reposition its forces from ATMIS to AUSSOM, the success of the mission will be closely watched by international stakeholders, including the UN and regional actors, as they assess the future of peace and stability in Somalia and its ability to confront the growing threat posed by jihadist groups. The resolution marks a key moment in Somalia’s quest for long-term peace, but much will depend on the coordination between Somali forces, African Union personnel, and the broader international community in securing the country’s fragile peace.
News Ghana, Latest Updates and Breaking News of Ghana, News Ghana, https://newsghana.com.gh/un-security-council-approves-new-african-union-mission-in-somalia-amid-security-transition/
