The African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) ,the United Kingdom (UK) and other stakeholders have held a roundtable discussion on the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2687 (2023) recently adopted on 27 June 2023 on Somalia.
The UNSCR 2687 (2023) mandates ATMIS among other things; to maintain enabling support for peace and security in Somalia including stabilization efforts, reconciliation and peace building, supporting Somalia-led operations against al-Shabaab as well as preparing for its smooth drawdown and exit from Somalia by December 2024.
By the end of last month, the drawdown had started and already 2000 troops have left Somalia.
The weekend meeting hosted by Mike Nithavrianakis, the United Kingdom Ambassador to Somalia, was attended by the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM); Catriona Laing, the Assistant Secretary-General and Head of United Nations Support Office is Somalia (UNSOS); Aisa Kirabo Kacyira and the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission to Somalia (SRCC) / Head of ATMIS; Amb. El-Amine Souef.
Others in attendance included; the Turkish Ambassador to Somalia; Ibrahim Mete Yagli, Kenyan Ambassador to Somalia; H.E Maj Gen (Rtd) Thomas Chepkuto, Ugandan Deputy Head of Mission in Somalia, H.E Gen (Rtd) Nathan K. Mugisha, the First Secretary at the Ugandan Embassy in Somalia; Mr. Robert Mugimba, National Security Advisor to the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS); Hussein Sheikh-Ali, Charge d' Affaires ad interim at the Embassy of the United States of America in Somalia; Mr. Timothy Trenkle, Representatives from the European Union (EU) Delegation to Somalia and Representatives from the Ethiopian Embassy in Somalia.
The meeting was convened to discuss UNSCR 2687 (2023) and asses the recently concluded first phase drawdown of 2,000 ATMIS troops which ended on June, 30, 2023.
The meeting also received an update on readiness of Somalia Security Forces (SSFs) to commence preparations for the second phase of drawdown of 3,000 troops by 30th September 2023.
The head of ATMIS, Amb. El-Amine Souef underscored that ATMIS is ready to implement UNSCR 2687 (2023) and called on the Somalia government to provide clear guideline on their priorities on how the national stabilization plan can be implemented concurrently with the Somali National Security Architecture so that development partners can be able to support them in a feasible manner.
The UK Ambassador Nithavrianakis stressed the need for Somali ownership of security sector reform to mitigate security risks.
"There is need of a clear timetable in terms of the joint technical assessment in preparation for the drawdown of 3,000 ATMIS troops by 30th September 2023."
The Ugandan Deputy Head of Mission, Gen Nathan Mugisha commended the progress so far made by the Somalia government in force generation.
He also applauded the troop contributing countries and partners for the support rendered to the Somali government.
Hen Mugisha underscored the need to prioritize political reconciliation and conflict resolution for the success of the national stabilization strategy and ensure sustainability.
"Timing is critical for transition and this requires timely planning and coordination of all the stakeholders while informing that the joint technical assessment of phase I to inform phase II should be carried out earlier than planned dates of 31, August 2023 to inform the drawdown process in time and ensure palatable and effective decisions."
On the readiness of the Somali National Army (SNA) to pursue Al Shabaab and to hold the liberated areas including forward operating bases handed over by ATMIS, the Somalia national security advisor, Hussein Sheikh-Ali assured the meeting that they were ready to take over security responsibilities from ATMIS.
The meeting recalled the commitment and decisions by the heads of state and government summit held in April, 2023 in which inadequate funding for ATMIS was highlighted.
Thomas Kieler, the head of political, press and information at the European Union (EU) delegation to Somalia stated that "there will be no additional funding" from the EU which has been footing ATMIS troop allowances while the UK promised financial support to ATMIS in the financial year 23/24.
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The meeting emphasized the need for Somali force generation and integration, the need for collaboration and coordination between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Federal Member States in the fight against Al- Shabaab as well as the importance of political reconciliation and conflict management and resolution.
The meeting urged for need to commence a tripartite joint technical assessment for the Somali government, African Union and United Nations in preparation for the second phase drawdown of 3,000 ATMIS troops.
The meeting also emphasized the need for aviation support especially attack helicopters, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISRs) including protection of Main Supply Route (MSR).
All concurred that the mantle of securing the future of Somalia requires lifelong commitment, unending sacrifice and that the Somali people are the nucleus of peace, unity and development of Somalia.
