MOGADISHU (SD) -The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union and Head of ATMIS Ambassador Mohamed Al-Amine Souef has confirmed that the withdrawal of the ATMIS forces from Somalia will be completed in December.

Ambassador Souef also stated that there is a new mission starting in Somalia when the ATMIS troops are withdrawn from the country by the end of this year, which he mentioned came as a result of a formal request submitted by Somalia.

“The Somali request regarding the transition to a new peacekeeping mission sheds light on the need for international support to stabilize Somalia,” Ambassador Souef said.

AMISOM is preparing to withdraw 4,000 troops, scheduled to leave Somalia by June.

The African Union has withdrawn up to 5,000 troops from Somalia and handed over 13 military camps to the Somali Security Forces, following the completion of the first and second phases of last year’s withdrawal.