Mogadishu April 25, 2023 (SD) -The Federal Government of Somalia has responded to a report by the East African newspaper, which claimed that the government is planning to extend the deployment of ATMIS forces in Somalia beyond its current mandate.

The National Security Advisor to the President of Somalia, Hussein Sheikh Ali, speaking on the matter, said that the government has no plans to extend the deployment of ATMIS forces.

In a Twitter statement, Hussein also clarified that there is no change to the previous plan regarding the deployment of ATMIS forces in Somalia, which is to conclude in December 2024.

Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Somalia released a statement denying the report. The newspaper also reported that the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has been in talks with the heads of other countries in the region regarding the matter.

The East African also reported that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and other regional heads of state have discussed the new plan at the request of the President’s office. Last year, the United Nations Security Council approved a new mandate for the African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to support the Somali government until at least the end of 2024.