The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which replaced AMISOM in 2022, is a UN peacekeeping mission with the mandate to support the Somali Security Forces (SSF) in combating al-Shabaab and securing the country. As ATMIS is set to conclude by December 2024, discussions are underway for a follow-on mission, the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), to ensure continued support and prevent a security vacuum.
In this context, the International Peace Institute, Stimson Center, and Security Council Report convened a workshop to assess the ATMIS transition and future security arrangements in Somalia. The event aimed to discuss the complex security environment in Somalia, explore lessons learned, and consider strategies to ensure a seamless transition to AUSSOM while maintaining regional stability.
Key takeaways from the workshop included the need to secure predictable and sustainable funding for the new mission, strengthen the Somali security forces, and ensure the transition aligns with on-the-ground realities. Participants also highlighted the importance of preventing a security vacuum, strengthening partnerships between the African Union, United Nations, and Somalia, and focusing on long-term stabilization efforts.