The Security Council on November 15, 2023 unanimously adopted resolutions 2710 (2023) and 2711 (2023) to extend the authorization of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and renew sanctions on Al-Shabaab, respectively. The ATMIS extension, valid until June 30, 2024, permits the deployment of up to 17,626 uniformed personnel until December 31, 2023, and up to 14,626 personnel from January 1, 2024, until June 30, 2024, facilitating a phased drawdown. The Council, acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, emphasized collaboration with the Somali government for a gradual phase three drawdown aligned with Somalia’s strategic needs.
Resolution 2710 (2023) authorizes ATMIS member states to complete the phase two drawdown of 3,000 personnel by December 31, 2023. The Council further calls for a joint technical assessment by the Government and the African Union, evaluating the phase two drawdown by March 31, 2024, to inform planning for the remaining phases of ATMIS drawdown.
In a separate move, the Council adopted resolution 2711 (2023), once again acting under Chapter VII, to renew sanctions on Al-Shabaab until December 1, 2023. These sanctions include provisions related to the inspection of vessels and the seizure of items violating the ban on charcoal exports, components for improvised explosive devices, or the arms embargo on Somalia.
The Security Council also decided to extend the mandate of the relevant Panel of Experts until December 31, 2023, expressing an intention to review the mandate and take appropriate action regarding any extension or modification by December 1, 2023. This includes considerations such as restrictions on the import of weapons and ammunition by the Government.
Harold Adlai Agyeman of Ghana, speaking on behalf of Gabon and Mozambique, emphasized that the implementation of ATMIS mandates, coupled with careful management of transition processes, will contribute to defeating Al-Shabaab. He expressed support for the delayed drawdown until December 31, 2023, citing the importance of a thoughtful transition plan to maintain gains in countering Al-Shabaab.
Robert A. Wood of the United States acknowledged the need to delay the second ATMIS troop reduction until December 31, 2023. He expressed concerns about slow progress in meeting mandate objectives over the past year and stressed the vital importance of coordination between the Government and ATMIS. Wood also welcomed the increased focus of the Government on countering Al-Shabaab, emphasizing the need for clear objectives, timelines, and resource requirements in current and future operations.
Wood highlighted the upcoming Somalia-led security conference in New York on December 12 as an opportunity to review plans for the ATMIS transition, address the Al-Shabaab surging threat, and identify Somalia’s security requirements beyond 2024.
