The situation in Somalia continues to make headlines. The Somali government recently asked Atmis, the African Union Transitional Mission, to suspend its planned withdrawal. This request was made by the presidential security adviser, Hussein Sheikh Ali, in a letter addressed to the United Nations ambassador.
The Somali government’s request is based on the need to consolidate the victory of the Somali forces against the Shebab terrorists. According to the Somali presidency, it is still too early to allow the departure of Atmis.
One of the main concerns concerns the security of refugee populations near African Union forward operating bases. The Somali government is therefore requesting a “technical pause”, allowing time to put in place comprehensive planning for their protection. This request is all the more justified as phase 2 of the Atmis withdrawal concerns isolated and remote bases.
The withdrawal from Atmis began at the beginning of the year, with the aim of letting Somali forces take over. However, it is obvious that the Somali National Army does not yet have the necessary means to effectively control its territory. The letter addressed to the United Nations ambassador also highlights the setbacks suffered by the Somali forces recently, with previously liberated towns having to be abandoned.
Despite these setbacks, Atmis Commander Lt. Col. Philippe Butoyu said Somali security forces are demonstrating a growing capacity to secure the country. However, phase 2 of the Atmis withdrawal foresees the departure of 3,000 soldiers by the end of the year, while the remaining 14,000 will have to leave Somalia by the end of 2024.
This raises questions about the ability of Somali forces to maintain stability in the country without support from Atmis. The situation in Somalia therefore remains worrying and it is essential to find solutions to guarantee the security of civilian populations while allowing Somali forces to fully take over. The withdrawal of Atmis will therefore have to be carefully planned and orchestrated so as not to compromise the progress made to date.