Ahmad 
The African Union has approved the deployment of a newly formed force to take over security operations in the country when the current mandate of the African Union Mission to Somalia (ATMIS) expires at the end of this year, according to the Somali website “Radio Dalsan”.
The African Union “Peace and Security Council” approved the formation of the ‘African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM)” following a meeting held in Addis Ababa last week.
The Somali website noted that, according to the “Peace and Security Council” statement, the African Union Mission to Support Stabilization in Somalia will be tasked with “post-conflict reconstruction and development, as well as peacebuilding components,” a significant expansion of the previous mandate.
The formation of the “AUSOM” force comes as “ATMIS” prepares to hand over security responsibilities to the Somali government.
The website quoted a senior AU official, who requested anonymity, as saying that “this new mission indicates the African Union’s renewed commitment to the stability and development of Somalia.”
By expanding the mandate and contributing troops, we aim to build on the progress made and ensure a smooth transition to security operations,” he said.
Details of the specific objectives of the “USOM” force are still being finalized, but the final statement confirms its focus on “post-conflict reconstruction, peacebuilding and long-term stability in Somalia.”
Radio Dalsan adds that, in an unprecedented move, the new force of the African Union Mission to Support Stabilization in Somalia (USOM) will include troops from Egypt, after the council approved Cairo’s request.
This represents a major shift, as the African Union force and its successor, the “ATMIS” forces, previously consisted of troops from African countries only.
The “USOM” mission will take over its tasks from the “ATMIS” mission in January 2025, as Somalia continues to build its security forces. The deployment in Somalia will take place within the framework of the African Union, and in light of the ongoing tensions in the Horn of Africa region.
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