The United Kingdom has pledged an additional £7.5 million to support the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), reaffirming its commitment to bolster Somalia’s security. This latest funding brings the UK’s total financial support for both ATMIS and its predecessor, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), to £77 million since 2021.
ATMIS plays a critical role in stabilizing Somalia, safeguarding key population centres, supply routes, and infrastructure. It supports the Somali National Army in joint operations aimed at combating the militant group al-Shabaab, and facilitates humanitarian aid while protecting the political process, including elections.
The new UK contribution will provide stipends for troops from five ATMIS-contributing countries—Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda—helping ATMIS to fulfill its mandate of transferring security responsibilities to Somali forces in a phased process.
British Ambassador to Somalia, Mike Nithavrianakis, highlighted the significance of the funding, emphasizing the UK’s role as a leading donor. He urged other international partners to follow suit and support Somalia’s path to peace. Somalia’s Defence Minister, Abdikadir Mohamed Nur, welcomed the UK’s continued partnership, calling it vital for building a stable security environment.
Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, the African Union’s Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, expressed gratitude for the UK’s contribution and stressed the importance of sustained international support to ensure Somalia’s long-term security.
