Egypt and Djibouti to Contribute Troops to New AU Mission in Somalia

The African Union has announced the launch of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), set to commence in January 2025. This mission will replace the current African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which has been operating since 2022.

The transition to AUSSOM comes at a crucial time as the Somali government had initially planned to assume full responsibility for the country’s security by the end of 2024. Given the ongoing security challenges, the continuation of international peacekeeping efforts is deemed essential for maintaining stability and effectiveness.

Egypt and Djibouti have pledged significant support to AUSSOM. Egypt, in particular, has committed to deploying troops to the mission, highlighting its strong stance on supporting Somalia amid regional tensions. This commitment follows Somalia’s demand for Ethiopia to withdraw from the mission unless it addresses a controversial maritime agreement with Somaliland, which Egypt opposes.

The new mission will feature a robust deployment, including military and police personnel, to bolster Somali security forces and ensure sustained peacekeeping efforts.

The establishment of AUSSOM reflects the African Union’s ongoing commitment to supporting Somalia through its transition period, ensuring that peacekeeping operations continue to adapt to the evolving security landscape in the country.

Mustaqbal