UN takes key steps toward Somalia’s takeover of its own security

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously Thursday to authorize the African Union to maintain its peacekeeping operation in Somalia until the end of the year, while also calling for plans for a successor mission, a key step toward the country’s takeover of its own security.

The British-sponsored resolution authorizes the AU to continue to deploy up to 12,626 uniformed personnel, including 1,040 police, for the transitional peacekeeping mission known as ATMIS until Dec. 31. It requests the U.N. political mission in Somalia to continue providing logistical support to the African peacekeepers.

Deputy British ambassador James Kariuki told the council after the vote that “the resolution comes at a critical moment in Somalia’s security transition.”

ATMIS will draw down by the end of the year, and the African Union Peace and Security Council has endorsed the formation of a successor mission, he said.

The Security Council welcomed an Aug. 1 communique from the AU council with its proposal for an AU-led peace support operation to replace ATMIS.

The resolution asks U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the head of the AU Commission, in consultation with Somalia and key international parties, to report to the Security Council on the design for the successor mission by Nov. 15.

Financing the new mission is a key issue and the resolution requests an update on the estimated costs and resources needed by Oct. 11.

To maintain momentum on the security transition, the resolution encourages Somalia to continue developing and implementing its Security Sector Development Plan so the country “can eventually assume full responsibility for, and ownership of, its security.”

Somalia plunged into civil war after feuding clan-based warlords toppled dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991. The Horn of Africa nation established a functioning transitional government in 2012 and has been working to rebuild stability in the face of extremist attacks and growing piracy.

The al-Qaida-linked extremist group al-Shabab intensified attacks on Somali military bases last year after it lost control of some territory in rural areas to a military offensive that followed the Somali president’s call in 2022 for “total war” to be waged against the extremist group .

The resolution adopted Thursday expresses “grave concern” at the threat posed by al-Shabab and condemns terrorist attacks in Somalia and neighboring countries. In the latest incident, al-Shabab claimed responsibility for an attack on a Somali beach hotel Aug. 2 that left 37 people dead and dozens wounded.

U.S. Minister-Counselor John Kelley applauded Somalia’s commitment to fighting al-Shabab and said ATMIS “will continue reducing the threat posed by al-Shabab” for the rest of the year.

He told the council after the vote that the United States supports “Somalia’s goal of assuming greater responsibility for its own security as soon as possible.”

Kelley said ATMIS and its anticipated U.N.-authorized follow-on peace support operation “have vital roles in supporting that goal.”

Somali Ambassador Abukar Osman welcomed the council’s adoption of the resolution and thanked members for their continuing commitment to help defeat al-Shabab “and achieve a sustainable peace.”

“Somalia is engaged in high tempo offensive operations against al-Shabab while working on building … capable, inclusive and accountable security forces,” he said.

Osman said the government recognized the necessity of extending ATMIS until the end of the year to ensure “a smooth transition as we prepare for the post-ATMIS security arrangements in 2025.”

Fighting al-Shabab demands substantial technical assistance and logistical support to enhance the capability of Somali forces so they can assume responsibility for the country’s security and pave the way for the AU mission to draw down and eventually leave the country, the ambassador said.