The African Union (AU) has once again called on the int’l community to jointly support the ongoing transition mission in Somalia (ATMIS) which expired and the new body which is the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSOM) will replace ATMIS.
A joint statement was issued in a high level meeting that took place in Entebbe in Uganda.
Officials at a ministerial level, ambassadors, and representatives from countries that contribute troops to ATMIS are currently in Uganda.
They have reviewed the 20 years that they put all their efforts when it comes to the stabilization in Somalia.
The Chairman of the African Union Commission, Mohamoud Ali Yousouf, who delivered remarks at the meeting, has stated that the crucial role that Africa played to support Somalia particularly the fight against Al-Shabab and the rebuilding of government institutions.
He said: “For a matter of 20 years, countries that brought their soldiers to Somalia have stood by Somalia while putting their lives in line and support Somalia with financial means. Hundreds of African men and women lost their lives when it comes to the stabilization of Somalia. We have a remembrance and a respect for their bravery and legacy.”
He said: “Somalia made a tangible progress while Somali troops seized areas under the control of Al-Shabab militants. However, the transition of AUSSOM which is a new process in which the Somali Federal gov’t will take over the responsibility of the security is facing financial and technical constraints. The int’l community is dragging its feet when it comes to the implementation of UN resolution 2719. African Union Committee will do all they can to get funds. It is necessary that countries that are members of the African Union and friends of the world will standby the mission so as to not collapse.”
Representatives and experts attending the meeting indicated that the transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM is a decision making time which will play a crucial role when it comes to the future security of Somalia.
AUSSOM is different from previous operations and is focusing that the leadership of the security will be taken over by Somali troops and foreign troops will hand over to Somali National Army which needs to upgrade the capacity of the Somali National Army and there should be a political national unity.
