EU allocates US$116.9 million to support ATMIS force transition in Somalia

The European Union (EU) announced a US$116.9 million contribution to bolster stabilization efforts in Somalia.

Approved on Tuesday by the EU Council’s Political and Security Committee, the funds will support the transition process for the Somali National Army (SNA) and the military component of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

The EU will provide an additional US$74.4 million to existing resources allocated to ATMIS in previous years, with US$42.5 million specifically designated for the SNA.

“These contributions aim to facilitate a smooth handover of security responsibilities from ATMIS to the SNA,” the EU said in a Tuesday evening statement. “The funding will allow ATMIS to fulfill its mandate while concurrently strengthening the capabilities of the Somali National Army.”

ATMIS commenced troop withdrawal from Somalia in 2023, following a United Nations Security Council resolution passed the prior year. The mission has completed the drawdown of its first and second phases, resulting in the withdrawal of 5,000 troops and the handover of 13 military bases to Somali security forces. An additional 4,000 troops are expected to be withdrawn by the end of June.

The EU stated that the allocated support will primarily contribute to ATMIS troop allowances, while the SNA will receive aid focused on the provision of non-lethal equipment. The EU has served as the largest direct contributor to ATMIS since 2007, providing nearly US$2.87 billion in total.

The EU’s financial support coincides with the Somali government’s ongoing military operations against Al-Shabaab. On Thursday, Somali authorities reported the elimination of at least 10 Al-Shabaab fighters in the South-west state.