Egypt joins the recently formed Somalia peacekeeping force

Abdullahi Warfa, Permanent Representative of Somalia to the AU, also attended the meeting.

The Security Council said there is a need for an assessment of the implications of the Phase 3 drawdown of Atmis to avoid any security vacuum during the transition phase to Aussom. 

Somalia has followed a slow and cautious approach to the drawdown of troops because of security setbacks, which saw Mogadishu in June this year seek to delay till end of September the exit of 2,000 soldiers out of 4,000 who were meant to leave the mission at the end of phase three of the drawdown on June 30.

But the UN Security Council reviewed this period and authorised the 2,000 troops who were meant to exit at the end of June to stay till August 12.  

But, in its latest sitting, the PSC urged the AU Commission to consult with the troop and police-contributing countries, the Somali government and the UN, and report back by the end of September 2024 as the parties seek a smooth transition to the new mission.

Atmis has suffered funding challenges, which are likely to continue with Aussom, for which the PSC urged the AU Commission to undertake extensive engagements with the UN, European Union, strategic partners and donors to ensure adequate, predictable and sustainable funding and other forms of support.

The Council expects a report on funding by September 2024, detailing potential additional sources of aid to fill the financial gaps that could impact Aussom operations and effectiveness against the Shabaab.