NY September 29, 2023 (SD) -The United Nations Security Council has responded to the request from the Somali Government to extend the withdrawal deadline of 3,000 troops of the African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which was initially supposed to leave Somalia by the end of September.

A statement released by the United Nations Security Council mentioned that the Somali Government’s request had reached the Council, and they would engage in discussions with the African Union, which supports ATMIS. The United Nations Security Council also urged the Somali Government to engage with the African Union on the issue of troop withdrawals.

The letter issued by the United Nations Security Council requested the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) to provide logistical support, including food, fuel, air transportation, and medical support, to ATMIS forces until October 31, 2023.

AMISOM comprises 17,626 troops and includes 1,040 police officers alongside 15,900 military personnel. UNSOS, which provides logistical support to the troops, relies on contributions from European donors, as it does not have a standing army of its own. This funding situation is complicated as Somalia continues to face a challenging security situation.

The countries with troops stationed in Somalia, including Uganda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Djibouti, have supported the Somali President’s request to extend the training period for the second batch of AMISOM troops by three months, highlighting that AMISOM forces are not actively participating in the fight against Al-Shabaab due to ongoing conflicts in the country.