Addis Ababa October 07, 2023 (SD) – The African Union has expressed support for the Somali government’s request to extend the withdrawal of ATMIS troops by three months.

A press release from the African Union Peace and Security Council, stated that they support the request to extend the withdrawal of 3,000 ATMIS troops in Somalia, as part of efforts to maintain peace and security in the country.

The African Union also commended the commitment of countries contributing troops to ATMIS, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Burundi, Djibouti, and Uganda, to collaborate with Somalia and other partners to secure the necessary financial support for the mission’s continuation.

The second phase of the ATMIS troop withdrawal aims to bring out 3,000 peacekeepers with a focus on achieving a peaceful transition, having already withdrawn more than 2,000 troops from Somalia.