The UN Security Council has adopted a resolution to extend the authorization for the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) for six months, till Dec. 31, 2023.
Resolution 2687, which won the unanimous support of the 15-member council, requests ATMIS to prioritize three activities: maintaining enabling support for peace and security in Somalia to ensure a sustainable transition, supporting Somali-led operations against Al-Shabaab, and preparing for its smooth drawdown and exit from Somalia as planned.
The resolution allows the phase 1 drawdown of 2,000 uniformed personnel by Sept. 30, 2023, and a further drawdown of 3,000 uniformed personnel by Dec. 31, 2023.
Resolution 2687 requests an update from the African Union and the Somali government by Sept. 15, 2023, on preparations for phase 2 drawdown.
The resolution affirms the Security Council’s readiness to review the pace of the drawdown in light of the update.
