Somalia’s Request to UNSC For a ‘Technical Pause’ in ATMIS’ Drawdown Sparks Diplomatic Rift with AU

MOGADISHU — In a move that has sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles, Somalia’s recent letter to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) requesting a “technical pause” in the African Union (AU) force’s ongoing drawdown has ignited a fierce diplomatic standoff with the AU.

The letter, dated September 20, 2023, Hussein Sheikh-Ali, the National Security Advisor has raised concerns and circulated Somalia’s desire for a temporary halt to the AU’s planned reduction of its peacekeeping forces in the country.

He argued that a pause is necessary to assess the evolving security landscape and ensure that the gains made in recent years are not jeopardized.

However, the African Union (AU) has voiced its displeasure over a letter to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that raised eyebrows within the body as it bypassed the established channels of communication.

The AU has argued that such a request should have been directed to the AU Peace and Security Council, the body mandated to oversee the African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) forces, rather than involving the United Nations Security Council.

This diplomatic misstep has raised concerns about the proper channels of communication within the Somali Government.

Moreover, Hussein Sheikh-Ali has come under scrutiny for allegedly bypassing the Somali Foreign Minister and other higher-ranking officials in sending the letter, an action seen as stepping outside his authority.

According to Somali officials, however, the AU told the government that any decision regarding the drawdown of AU forces should be based on the current and actual security situation on the ground.

This development unfolds against the backdrop of a series of recent military setbacks suffered by the Somali National Army, as the extremist group Al-Shabab has reclaimed areas that had recently been liberated in the ongoing military operations.

These territorial loses  have raised significant concerns about the readiness of the Somali Army to assume full responsibility for the country’s security.

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has plans to complete its withdrawal from Somalia by the end of 2024.

The tensions and diplomatic tussle arising from Hussein’s letter to the UN and the deteriorating security situation could add additional layers to challenges facing the AU’s planned withdrawal from Somalia.

ATMIS, formerly known as AMISOM, a major peacekeeping force, has played a pivotal role in Somalia’s stability and security over the years.

The decision to drawdown these forces is a complex and strategically sensitive matter, one that requires careful consideration and adherence to established protocols, security experts say.

Meanwhile, AU officials say that Somalia’s direct approach to the UNSC has raised questions about the motivations and intentions behind the request. This lack of transparency has exacerbated tensions between Somalia and the African Union, leading to frustration and concerns over the handling of the situation.