UNSC extends AMISOM mission in Somalia by 3 more months

Mogadishu, Dec 22 (Prensa Latina) The UN Security Council (UNSC) on Wednesday voted to extend the mandate of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) by three months (through March 31, 2022), the Garowe news website reported.

December 22, 2021
11:53

According to the report, the decision reached under Resolution 2614/2021 grants the peacekeeping force to take all necessary measures in full compliance with participating States´ obligations under international law, in full respect of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia.

AMISOM’s mandate was supposed to expire on December 31, 2021, upon full implementation of the Somali Transition Plan (STP).

Notwithstanding the UNSC agreement, the African Union (AU), a body made up of 55 nations, and Somali government must reach a formal agreement in coming days to establish whether AMISOM must leave the country, restructure or reorganize as a hybrid force, with civilian components, local media reported.

Deployed in Somalia since 2007, AMISOM is aimed at keeping peace in the country and fighting – alongside the National Army – the radical Islamist group Al-Shabab, which frequently attacks military outputs and civilians.

According to official data, AMISOM has deployed as many as 20,000 troops in Somalia. Many of them from African states including Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Djibouti and Burundi.

mh/pll / mem / obf