Kenya and Somalia have officially endorsed the establishment of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This new mission, set to commence in January 2025, will replace the existing African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which has been at the forefront of combating terrorism and supporting Somalia’s state-building efforts.
The announcement, made in a joint statement by Kenyan President William Ruto and his Somali counterpart Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at State House, Nairobi, signifies a pivotal moment in the long-standing efforts to bring peace and stability to Somalia, a country that has endured decades of conflict and instability. The endorsement of AUSSOM marks a continued commitment by regional leaders to reinforce Somalia’s security while ensuring a smooth transition from the outgoing ATMIS.
The Evolution from ATMIS to AUSSOM
The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) was established to replace the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in 2022, following over a decade of AMISOM operations aimed at reducing the threat posed by the terrorist group Al-Shabaab. AMISOM’s efforts, along with those of Somali security forces and international partners, made significant strides in stabilising parts of the country. However, challenges such as terrorism, political instability, and inadequate security infrastructure have persisted, necessitating a continued AU presence.
ATMIS focused on preparing Somali Security Forces (SSF) to take over security responsibilities by providing training, logistical support, and joint operations with regional and international allies. Yet, with the upcoming expiration of the ATMIS mandate, a new approach was required to maintain the gains achieved and address the remaining security challenges. This led to the establishment of AUSSOM, which aims to build on ATMIS’s successes while providing the necessary support for Somalia’s security and state-building efforts.
Seamless Transition and International Support
Both President Ruto and President Sheikh stressed the importance of ensuring a seamless transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM during their joint press briefing. They highlighted that the continuity of stabilisation efforts in Somalia is crucial, especially in a region still grappling with the ongoing threat of terrorism from Al-Shabaab and other militant groups.
The transition to AUSSOM is not just a rebranding of the mission but a significant step forward in the African Union’s strategy to provide tailored support to Somalia as it continues to recover from decades of civil conflict. The mission will emphasise more comprehensive support in areas such as governance, state-building, and the development of the SSF.
A key aspect of the discussions between the two leaders revolved around the need for adequate funding to support the new mission. The success of AUSSOM will depend heavily on the financial resources available to sustain its operations, and both leaders called for the exploration of all possible financial options, including increased contributions from international partners. Funding has been a persistent challenge for previous missions, and ensuring AUSSOM’s sustainability will be essential to its success.
Kenya’s Role in Somalia’s Stabilisation
Kenya has played a prominent role in efforts to stabilise Somalia, particularly through the involvement of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in anti-terror operations. The KDF, as part of AMISOM and later ATMIS, has been instrumental in pushing back Al-Shabaab, a militant group responsible for numerous attacks in Somalia and Kenya. Kenya’s involvement in Somalia’s security has not only been a matter of regional stability but also one of national security, given the cross-border nature of terrorist threats.
President Sheikh Mohamud praised Kenya’s significant contributions to Somalia’s stabilisation, singling out the KDF’s collaboration with Somali security forces and other ATMIS troops in the fight against terrorism. He acknowledged President Ruto’s continued support for Somalia’s state-building efforts, describing it as vital for restoring peace in the region.
“The contribution of the KDF in the fight against terrorism and their collaboration with our Somali forces has been crucial in maintaining stability. We value this partnership and look forward to deepening it as we transition to AUSSOM,” President Sheikh stated.
The Somali president’s appreciation of Kenya’s role is a testament to the collaborative efforts between regional and international partners in addressing the security challenges that have plagued Somalia for years. As the region prepares for the transition to AUSSOM, the continued partnership between Kenya and Somalia will be essential to the mission’s success.
Supporting the Somali Security Development Plan
As Somalia continues its journey towards self-reliance in security matters, the development of the Somali Security Forces (SSF) remains a top priority. Both President Ruto and President Sheikh reiterated the importance of supporting the Somali Security Development Plan (SSDP), which aims to equip and train Somali forces to take over full responsibility for the country’s security.
The leaders called on the international community to assist in building the capacity of the SSF, particularly as ATMIS transitions to AUSSOM. Strengthening the SSF is seen as a critical component in ensuring that Somalia can maintain peace and security once the AU mission eventually concludes. Enhancing the capabilities of Somali forces will also allow for a gradual drawdown of international troops, with the long-term goal of achieving full Somali ownership of the country’s security apparatus.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
In addition to discussing the AU mission, the two heads of state reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between Kenya and Somalia through the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC). The JCC has served as a platform for addressing various bilateral issues, including trade, security, and political cooperation.
The leaders highlighted the successful outcomes of the 3rd JCC meeting, held in Nairobi in May 2024, which laid the groundwork for further collaboration. The next session, scheduled for 2025 in Somalia, is expected to build on these discussions and deepen the ties between the two nations.
One of the key areas of focus for the JCC is trade and investment. Both President Ruto and President Sheikh expressed their desire to eliminate trade barriers between the two countries and create a more conducive environment for the private sector. They directed their respective Trade ministers to take concrete steps to remove obstacles to cross-border trade and encouraged businesses to take advantage of the pro-business policies introduced by both governments.
Somalia’s New Role in the UN Security Council
In a significant diplomatic achievement, Somalia was recently elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2025-2026 term. President Ruto congratulated President Sheikh on this accomplishment, expressing confidence in Somalia’s ability to contribute meaningfully to international discussions on peace and security.
With global governance reforms underway, Somalia’s position on the Security Council provides an opportunity for the country to play a more prominent role in shaping international policies, particularly those related to peace and security in conflict-prone regions like the Horn of Africa.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Regional Stability
The endorsement of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia by Kenya and Somalia represents a new chapter in the ongoing efforts to stabilise the Horn of Africa. The transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM reflects the region’s commitment to ensuring lasting peace in Somalia while addressing the evolving security challenges.
As the international community prepares to support this new mission, the success of AUSSOM will depend on continued collaboration, adequate funding, and the development of Somalia’s security forces. With Kenya and Somalia leading the way, there is hope that the region can finally achieve the peace and stability it has long sought.
