The United Nations Security Council on Friday approved the establishment of a new African Union force in Somalia, tasked with countering the Islamist militant group al-Shabab.
The force, named the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), is set to replace the outgoing African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) when its mandate expires on December 31.
Troop deployment is scheduled to begin in January.
The resolution passed with 14 votes in favor, while the United States abstained, citing reservations about funding mechanisms.
Somalia, one of the world’s poorest and most conflict-ridden nations, continues to grapple with decades of civil war, al-Shabab’s violent insurgency, and recurring climate disasters.
During the council meeting, representatives from Somalia and Ethiopia participated as observers without voting rights. Somalia’s representative emphasized that troop contributions for AUSSOM are secured through bilateral agreements, with 11,000 troops currently pledged.
Egypt recently announced its participation in AUSSOM, signaling growing regional involvement in Somalia’s security efforts.
However, Ethiopian troops will not participate in the new force, following a maritime agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland in January, which heightened regional tensions. The dispute was mediated earlier this month by Turkey, though underlying tensions persist.
Additionally, Burundi has confirmed it will not be contributing troops to AUSSOM, according to a military source speaking anonymously.
