Somalia has received a crucial shipment of military equipment and supplies from the African Union as part of efforts to support its transition to a Somali-led security framework. The move comes amid the ongoing withdrawal of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia
(ATMIS).
The consignment, delivered on Thursday in Douala, Cameroon, includes armored vehicles, personnel carriers, fuel and water tankers, engines, medical kits, helmets, and protective vests. These resources are aimed at strengthening Somalia’s security institutions as the country prepares to take full control of its defense responsibilities.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Somalia’s envoy to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, Ambassador Abdullahi Mohamed Warfa, emphasized the importance of the support in enhancing regional security and counterterrorism efforts.
The African Union Continental Logistics Base (CLB), which plays a key role in equipping AU missions, coordinated the delivery of the supplies. Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the continued support, stating that it would reinforce the country’s security capacity and contribute to long-term stability.
This development aligns with the new security transition plan approved by the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) and the United Nations Security Council. The recently launched AU Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) officially took over from ATMIS on January 1, 2025, following the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2767.
While Somalia continues to make progress in taking full charge of its security, key challenges in the mission’s transition remain under discussion.
