Addis Ababa, May 31, 2023 – The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Mr. Hamza Adan Haadoow, meets with Dr. Sarjoh Bah, Director of Conflict Management Directorate (CMD) at the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) of the African Union Commission, in Addis Ababa to discuss the reduction of ATMIS forces and implementation of the Somali Transition Plan (STP).
The meeting focuses on the withdrawal of 2,000 ATMIS forces by June 30, 2023, as stipulated in the previous agreement, and the subsequent drawdown of an additional 3,000 troops by September 2023.
The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) emerged from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) on April 1, 2022, as a result of an evolving situation in Somalia. The mission aims to gradually reduce deployed forces according to a pre-agreed withdrawal plan, allowing Somalia to take increased responsibility for its security and governance.
The discussions between H.E. Mr. Hamza Adan Haadoow and Dr. Sarjoh Bah highlight the commitment of the African Union and its member states to Somalia’s peace and stability. The collaboration aims to support the Somali government’s initiatives in establishing sustainable peace and development.
Close monitoring and evaluation will be essential during the implementation of the withdrawal plan to ensure security gains are maintained while enabling Somalia’s self-reliance. The Somali Transition Plan is a significant step towards a stable and prosperous Somalia, with the African Union and its member states dedicated to its successful execution.