India recognizes the important role being played by the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in providing an enabling security environment in Somalia, and in containing the terrorism perpetrated by Al-Shabaab.

2. Reiterating India’s commitment to peace and stability in Somalia and the Horn of Africa, Permanent Representative of India to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj today handed over the contribution of US$ 2 million to the United Nations Trust Fund in support of ATMIS. India had earlier contributed US $ 4 million to African Union Mission in Somalia [AMISOM].

3. ATMIS was established on 1 April 2022 pursuant to the Security Council resolution 2628 (2022) and African Union Peace and Security Council Communique 1068^th of 8 March 2022 to support the implementation of the Somali Transitional Plan towards a full handover of security responsibility to the Somali security forces and institutions by the end 2024. The primary mandate of ATMIS is to reduce the threat posed by the terrorist group Al-Shabaab.

4. As an elected member of the UN Security Council in 2021-22, India had engaged constructively to ensure the smooth transition from African Union Mission in Somalia [AMISOM] to ATMIS in line with the security requirements of Somalia. The timely and phased handover of security responsibilities from ATMIS to the Somali security forces will be critical and will need to be calibrated to avoid security gaps. India also commends and pays tribute to all ATMIS troop and police contributing countries for their sustained commitment and the sacrifices they have made over the years.

5. India was involved in peacekeeping in Somalia over three decades ago and was a steadfast supporter of AMISOM. India continues to support the role of the African Union and the United Nations in responding to terrorism and building peace and stability in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa.

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