African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia
Hawlgalka Taagearada iyo Xasilinta Midowga Afrika ee Soomaaliya Participant in Somali Civil War
Map of Somalia
Preceded by	ATMIS
Allies	Somalia
Opponents	Al-Shabaab

The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is a new peacekeeping and stabilization effort by the African Union in Somalia. It will take over from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). AUSSOM is expected to begin in 2025. Troops from East African countries like Egypt, Djibouti, Uganda, and Kenya might join this mission.

What is AUSSOM?

In 2007, the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) started. Its goal was to help the Somali government and deal with a growing conflict. A group called Al-Shabaab became a big part of this conflict.

After 15 years, AMISOM changed into the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). The main aim of ATMIS was to slowly give full security control back to the Somali government forces.

The African Union's Peace and Security Council decided to create AUSSOM on August 1, 2024. The plan is for AUSSOM to start in 2025, after ATMIS finishes on December 31, 2024. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has been asking countries that helped with ATMIS to also join AUSSOM.

There are some challenges, like money problems and growing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia. These tensions started after Ethiopia signed an agreement with Somaliland in 2024. These issues might delay the start of AUSSOM. Also, countries around the world have different ideas about how to fund this new mission.

Countries and Their Roles

Egypt's Involvement

 Egypt has offered to send 10,000 soldiers to Somalia. Half of these soldiers would join AUSSOM. The other half would work on their own in Somalia's Hiiraan region, which borders Ethiopia. Somalia has been working more closely with Egypt. This is partly because of Ethiopia's efforts to create a naval base and recognize Somaliland. In August 2024, Somalia announced that the Egyptian military would replace Ethiopian troops in ATMIS starting in January 2025. Egyptian officials also said they would send weapons like armored vehicles, artillery, and drones to Somalia.

Ethiopia's Role

 Ethiopia showed interest in joining AUSSOM. However, Somalia first said no. This was because of Ethiopia's agreement with Somaliland in 2024. Somalia's government said that Al-Shabaab's activities had increased because of Ethiopia's presence.

Later, in December 2024, Ethiopia and Somalia agreed to ease tensions with help from Turkey. Somali President Hassan Sheikh praised Ethiopia's past help in Somalia. He said Somalia was "ready to reconsider" Ethiopia joining AUSSOM. But just days later, Somalia accused Ethiopian troops of attacking Somali army and police bases, causing deaths. This has made Ethiopia's involvement in the mission uncertain.

At a UN Security Council meeting in December, Somalia said its current security agreements were enough. This seemed to block Ethiopia from joining. However, Somalia's National Security Advisor later suggested a final decision had not been made. Some people think Somalia is using AUSSOM as a way to get Ethiopia to cancel its agreement with Somaliland.

Djibouti's Support

 Djibouti has also offered to send peacekeeping troops to AUSSOM. Somalia welcomed this offer.

Uganda's Concerns

 Uganda’s foreign minister, Henry Oryem Okello, did not agree with Egypt sending so many troops. He worried that Egypt might become too powerful in AUSSOM. After this, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. He wanted to convince Uganda to support Egypt's help in the mission.

Kenya's Endorsement

 Kenya’s president, William Ruto, met with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to talk about AUSSOM. Their discussion ended with Kenya supporting the new mission.

Burundi's Decision

 Burundi, another country that helped with ATMIS, also had a visit from the Somali president. Burundi’s president, Évariste Ndayishimiye, welcomed the mission. However, Burundi later confirmed it would not join AUSSOM. This was due to a "lack of agreement" between Burundi and Somalia on how many troops Burundi could send.

United Kingdom's Resolution

The United Kingdom presented a draft resolution to the United Nations. This resolution welcomed the African Union's decision to create AUSSOM.