New Delhi: The United Kingdom has announced additional funding of £7.5 million to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). This latest funding brings the total UK financial support to ATMIS and its predecessor, AMISOM, to £77 million since 2021, a government press release stated.
According to a statement from the British Embassy in Mogadishu, the funding will be used to pay military stipends for troops from Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda, who contribute to ATMIS. The funds will also help ATMIS complete its mandate of handing over security responsibilities to the Somali Security Forces.
ATMIS plays a crucial role in Somalia’s security, protecting population centers, supply routes, and infrastructure. The mission supports the Somali National Army in joint operations, facilitates humanitarian aid, and safeguards political processes, including elections. UK’s funding is critical in supporting ATMIS and Somali security forces, the statement added.
The African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), Bankole Adeoye, expressed gratitude for the UK’s contribution, emphasizing the importance of continued international support. “We urge other partners to follow the UK’s example and invest in Somalia’s security to ensure lasting peace and stability in Somalia and the wider region,” he said.