Security Council Backs New African Union Mission in Somalia - Egypt in, Ethiopia out

The United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2767 (2024) today, endorsing the establishment of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). 

The mission will succeed the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) on January 1, 2025, reflecting a critical step in Somalia's progressive assumption of national security responsibilities.

The resolution was adopted with 14 votes in favor and one abstention from the United States. The Council authorized African Union member states to deploy up to 12,626 personnel, including 1,040 police, to AUSSOM. 

This transition supports the Federal Government of Somalia's efforts to degrade Al-Shabaab and affiliated extremist groups. The operation will also be financed through a hybrid model combining UN assessed contributions and African Union-led fundraising, contingent on further Council approval by May 15, 2025.

Ethiopian Claims and Somalia's Response

Ethiopia, in a lengthy address to the Council, raised alarm over what it described as Al-Shabaab's growing organizational capabilities and alliances with ISIS. Ethiopian representatives urged sustained international and regional support, stressing their nation's role in combating terrorism in Somalia and portraying their efforts as indispensable to the region's stability. 

However, Somalia's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Mohamed Rabi A. Yusuf, challenged Ethiopia's narrative and actions over the past year.

"Due to documented actions of Ethiopia in Somalia over the past 11 months, the Federal Government of Somalia has undertaken a comprehensive review of its security arrangements," Yusuf stated. 

He underscored that Somalia’s security will be safeguarded by robust commitments from troop-contributing countries other than Ethiopia, ensuring no vacuum in the fight against Al-Shabaab. 

Mr. Yusuf further reaffirmed Somalia’s intent to pursue future security partnerships aligned with its national and regional interests.

The Road Ahead for Somalia

Despite Ethiopia's contentious claims, Somalia has made strides in preparing its security forces to assume greater responsibilities. Since 2022, Somali forces have successfully taken over roles from 7,000 ATMIS personnel, a testament to their growing capability. 

The new mission, AUSSOM, aims to build on these achievements while fostering greater Somali-led security autonomy.

As the transition unfolds, Somalia’s leadership remains committed to strengthening its sovereignty and ensuring that international security partnerships align with its aspirations for long-term peace and stability. 

The Security Council’s decision is a pivotal step in supporting Somalia's journey toward self-reliance and resilience against extremist threats.