Morocco has reaffirmed its support for the Somali Federal Government’s request for a three-month technical pause in the second phase of the withdrawal of troops from the African Union Transition in Somalia (ATMIS).
The withdrawal, initially scheduled for September 30th, is now under review before the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU).
During a PSC meeting held via video conference on Saturday, dedicated to assessing the Somali Federal Government’s request for a technical pause in ATMIS’s Phase II withdrawal, the Moroccan delegation highlighted the urgent need to address significant challenges outlined in the joint technical assessment report.
These challenges have far-reaching implications for the security transition in Somalia.
The requested suspension of the withdrawal aims to provide essential time to devise solutions to the challenges identified in the assessment report. This pause will ensure a smoother and safer security transition, ultimately contributing to the long-term peace, stability, and prosperity of Somalia, as emphasized by the Moroccan delegation.
Morocco takes this opportunity to express its support for the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, which is designed to assist the Somali Federal Government in implementing the Somali transition plan.
The mission’s objective is to gradually transfer security responsibilities from ATMIS to the Somali national security forces, enabling Somalia to assume full responsibility for its own security. This includes accelerating operational efforts to combat insecurity and instability factors within the country.
The Kingdom of Morocco calls upon the international community to support Somalia in regaining its rightful place at regional, continental, and international levels. This support should be manifested through international and bilateral funding aimed at training, equipping, and capacity-building of the Somali security forces.
By implementing these measures, a gradual and effective transfer of responsibilities from ATMIS to Somali security forces and institutions can be achieved.
Such a transfer will prevent the development of a security vacuum in Somalia, which could have dire repercussions not only for the country but also for the sub-region and the continent, emphasizing the importance of sustained international support, as asserted by the Moroccan delegation.
On September 14th, the AU PSC had previously decided, in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions, to withdraw 3,000 ATMIS soldiers by the end of the same month in a fair manner.
Additionally, the PSC had decided, in line with the directives of the Somali Federal Government, to withdraw 851 police personnel from ATMIS.
As the deliberations continue, the international community awaits the outcome of the review before the PSC. The decision regarding the technical pause in the withdrawal of ATMIS troops is crucial for shaping the future security landscape in Somalia and ensuring a stable and prosperous nation.
