Sierra Leone to Maintain Presence in Somalia as AU Transitions from ATMIS to AUSSOM

Sierra Leonean police and military officers will continue to serve in Somalia under the newly established African Union Stabilisation and Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), following the endorsement of a key decision at the recent Somalia Operations Coordination Committee (SOCC) Ministerial Meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The meeting, held on 24-25 February 2025, brought together high-ranking officials, including ministers, ambassadors, Chiefs of Defence Staff, Inspector Generals of Police, and AU representatives, to discuss the transition from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to AUSSOM.

Among the key figures at the event was Dr. Alhaji Sarjoh Bah, Director of the AU’s Conflict Management Directorate, Political Affairs, Peace, and Security Department, who played a pivotal role in advocating for Sierra Leone’s continued involvement.

Discussions at the meeting focused on a range of critical topics, including:

Honoring fallen peacekeepers and reaffirming the AU’s commitment to Somalia’s stability.

Recognizing Somalia’s leadership in the ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab.

Addressing capability gaps and securing UN Security Council support for a clear exit strategy.

Strengthening coordination between Somalia’s Federal Government (FGS) and Federal Member States (FMS) to enhance governance and security efforts.

Managing financial and logistical aspects, including ATMIS liabilities, accountability, and resource tracking.

Somalia’s presentation on the transition highlighted deployment strategies across five key sectors, each led by different member states, with an emphasis on adaptability and seamless coordination.

Dr. Bah’s diplomatic efforts were instrumental in ensuring that Sierra Leone remains part of this mission, reinforcing the country’s role in regional security and counterterrorism efforts in the Horn of Africa. His advocacy underscored Sierra Leone’s commitment to supporting peace operations beyond its borders, aligning with broader AU efforts to stabilize Somalia.

The outcome of the deliberations includes enhanced security measures, improved coordination, and strengthened political engagement to ensure a smooth transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM. As the AU moves forward with this new phase, Sierra Leone’s continued participation reflects its growing footprint in international peacekeeping and security initiatives