The African Union Mission announces the end of the third phase of troop reduction

The African Union Mission announces the end of the third phase of troop reduction

 The African Union Transitional Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) announced the successful completion of the third phase of its troop reduction. The mission indicated that 3,000 soldiers were withdrawn from Somalia during the third phase, as part of strategies to transfer security responsibilities to the Somali National Forces.

The reduction of African forces began in 2021 in accordance with an agreement between the African Union and the United Nations, which stipulated the gradual withdrawal of those forces from Somalia. ATMIS pledged to continue supporting Somalia during the transitional period, focusing on logistical assistance, information exchange, and advising the Somali army.

By December 2024, the African Union plans to reduce its forces to a small advisory group supporting the Somali government, and during the previous stages of troop withdrawal in June and September, important bases and territory were handed over to Somali forces.

As the Somali forces prepare to take over security duties, Al-Shabaab still poses a major threat in many areas, and international experts stressed the importance of continued international support to strengthen the security infrastructure in Somalia and prevent any setbacks.