Mogadishu, Somalia (SONNA) – The United Nations Security Council has endorsed the new African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which is set to take over from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) effective January 1, 2025. The mission has been approved for an initial 12-month deployment.
AUSSOM will be supported by the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) and aims to degrade the militant group Al-Shabaab, enhance security, and support the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) in assuming greater responsibility for national security.
The Somali President’s security advisor has confirmed that Somalia is actively engaging with the AU and potential troop-contributing countries (TCCs) for AUSSOM. The mandate of AUSSOM allows the FGS to determine TCC participation, with a decision expected soon, aligning with national priorities.
AUSSOM will replace ATMIS, which concludes its mandate on December 31, 2024. The new mission will include up to 12,626 uniformed personnel, including 1,040 police personnel, and will continue until June 30, 2025.
The endorsement by the UN Security Council marks a significant step in transitioning national security responsibilities to Somalia’s own forces.
