The African Union (AU) is preparing for a significant transition in its peacekeeping efforts in Somalia, with the African Union Somalia Stabilisation Mission (AUSSOM) set to replace the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) starting January 1, 2025.
This strategic shift comes as ATMIS concludes its mandate on December 31, 2024, marking the end of a key chapter in the AU’s long-standing role in stabilising Somalia.
The decision to establish AUSSOM follows the adoption of the Concept of Operations (CONOPs) by the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) during its 1225th meeting held on August 1, 2024.
AUSSOM will take over the role previously played by ATMIS, which was designed to transition security responsibilities from the African Union to Somalia’s government and security forces.
ATMIS was tasked with helping Somalia develop the capacity to manage its own security, with a long-term goal of ensuring peace and stability after years of conflict, insurgency, and instability fuelled by Al-Shabaab, a terrorist group operating in the region.
The transition to AUSSOM reflects the AU’s continued commitment to peacekeeping in Somalia but with a new focus and operational approach.
The new mission will not only maintain security but also intensify stabilisation efforts to ensure Somalia’s progress towards peace is sustainable.
It will build on the gains made by ATMIS and its predecessor, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), which had been operating in the country since 2007.
The transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM has been meticulously planned to ensure a smooth handover and continued support for Somalia’s security forces.
The Concept of Operations (CONOPs), adopted by the AU Peace and Security Council in August 2024, outlines the framework for AUSSOM’s mandate and operations.
It takes into account the evolving security situation in Somalia, particularly the need for a mission that focuses on stabilisation, support for Somali security institutions, and the gradual withdrawal of external forces as Somalia’s capacity to handle internal threats grows.
The PSC meeting that ratified the CONOPs also emphasised the importance of close cooperation with international partners, including the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU), and Somalia’s government.
This cooperation will be key to ensuring that AUSSOM is well-equipped to handle the complexities of security in Somalia, particularly as the country continues to grapple with threats from Al-Shabaab and the need for a comprehensive strategy for rebuilding national institutions.
While ATMIS has made significant progress in reducing the influence of insurgents and helping to stabilise key areas of Somalia, challenges remain. Al-Shabaab continues to pose a serious threat to peace and security, with frequent attacks targeting civilians, government officials, and military personnel.
The new AUSSOM mission will need to address these ongoing threats while also prioritising the stabilisation of liberated areas, supporting the rebuilding of infrastructure, and ensuring that Somali security forces are equipped and trained to take full control of their country’s security.
One of AUSSOM’s key objectives will be to support Somalia’s national army and police forces as they work to provide security for their people.
The mission will focus on capacity building, ensuring that Somalia’s institutions can independently manage their security affairs once external peacekeeping forces fully withdraw.