The African Union Transition Mission( ATMIS) is set to change name to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM),this website has learnt.
In 2022, the African Union Mission in Somalia(AMISOM) metamorphosed into ATMIS after serving for 15 years and the new mission was tasked with stabilising Somalia but also aim at transferring the full responsibilities of national security to the Federal Government of Somalia.
According to the 1225th meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) held on Augusut, 1, 2024, it was agreed that ATMIS changes to AUSSOM.
The new mission will start operation in January 2025 with Egypt and Djibouti accepting to contribute to the new formation.
Officials said the change of name reflects the evolving nature of the mission, which aims at providing support and Stabilization to Somalia as it continues to face security shortfalls.
The African Union started deploying troops in Somalia in 2007 with Uganda being the first country to send troops .
The force named AMISOM was meant to support the government in Mogadishu and key installations from Al Shabaab attacks.
Uganda’s deployment opened way for other countries to also deploy in the mission which was at one time dubbed “dead on arrival” until UPDF’s arrival.
Other countries including Djibouti, Burundi, Kenya and Ethiopia later deployed troops.
The Ugandan troops controlled the largest area in Somalia after being deployed in Sector One Banadir, and Lower Shabelle regions.
Kenyan troops were deployed in Sector Two which comprises Lower and Middle Jubba regions whereas Sector Three commanded by Ethiopia has Bay and Bakool as well as Gedo (Sub Sector 3).
Djiboutian forces manned Sector 4, which covers Hiiraan and Galgaduud areas while Burundian forces are in charge of Sector 5, which covers the Middle Shabelle region.
AMISOM consequently helped oust Al-Shabaab from key urban centres, creating space for Somali elites to build institutions and a political system.
Whereas troop contributing countries and the African Union sought more funds to keep the mission going, donors as Somali authorized felt the mission’s value was waning.
However, counter-insurgency efforts have of late run out steam but on the other hand, Al Shabaab insurgents have continued to gain ground and carry out attacks.
Another big problem for Somalia has been identified as the country’s politics with disputes between the Mogadishu establishment and federal states which undermine the efforts to fight Al Shabaab.
Despite ATMIS being mandated to prepare Somalia government to take over its own security, this seems to still be a dream far from being achieved.
The recent troop scale down has seen Al Shabaab rejuvenate and have stepped up attacks, including in the capital, Mogadishu where they had been pushed away.
A UPDF commander at the rank of Major, Patrick Opio Awany was last month killed by an explosion in the village of Ceel-Werigow, around 70 km (43 miles) southwest of the capital Mogadishu.
Somalia: UPDF commander killed as roadside IED targets his convoy
