India has reaffirmed its commitment to peace and stability in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa by contributing USD 2 million to the United Nations Trust Fund in support of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). On Friday, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ruchira Kamboj, handed over the contribution, reiterating New Delhi’s dedication to strengthening security in Somalia.
India’s Permanent Mission to the UN announced the contribution in a press release, noting the country’s recognition of the critical role ATMIS plays in providing a secure environment in Somalia and in combating the terrorist threat posed by Al-Shabaab. “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,” the statement read.
India has a longstanding history of supporting peacekeeping efforts in Somalia. Previously, New Delhi contributed USD 4 million to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), which was the predecessor to ATMIS. AMISOM was instrumental in combating insurgencies and providing security in Somalia, and its transition to ATMIS represents a significant shift toward empowering Somali security forces to take over full control of the country’s security responsibilities.
India’s support for Somalia’s security transition
India’s support for ATMIS comes as Somalia works toward a full handover of security operations from international forces to its own military. The transition, guided by the Somali Transitional Plan, aims for the Somali security forces and institutions to take full control by the end of 2024. India has stressed that this handover needs to be carefully planned and phased to avoid leaving security gaps that could be exploited by terrorist groups.
As an elected member of the United Nations Security Council, India has actively engaged in efforts to ensure a smooth transition from AMISOM to ATMIS. India has also commended the troop and police-contributing countries involved in ATMIS for their steadfast commitment and sacrifices over the years in their efforts to stabilize Somalia.
“India stands committed to building peace and stability in Africa,” India’s Permanent Mission to the UN tweeted, adding that the contribution underscores the country’s ongoing commitment to supporting African-led security efforts in the region.
History of India’s engagement in Somalia
India’s involvement in Somalia’s peacekeeping and stabilization efforts dates back more than 30 years. During this time, India has consistently supported both the African Union and the United Nations in responding to terrorism and promoting peace in Somalia and the broader Horn of Africa region. This financial contribution to ATMIS is another step in a long-standing partnership between India, African nations, and the international community.
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India’s Permanent Mission to the UN noted in its statement that ATMIS was established on April 1, 2022, under the Security Council Resolution 2628 (2022) and the African Union Peace and Security Council Communique from March 8, 2022. The mission’s primary role is to implement the Somali Transitional Plan, which includes a phased withdrawal of ATMIS forces and a transfer of security responsibilities to Somali forces by 2024. One of the key objectives of ATMIS is to reduce the threat posed by Al-Shabaab, an Islamist militant group responsible for widespread violence and terrorism in the region.
Commitment to combating terrorism and promoting stability
India’s latest contribution to ATMIS reinforces its role as a steadfast supporter of peacekeeping and anti-terrorism efforts in Africa. With the continued threat posed by Al-Shabaab, Somalia remains a critical area of focus for international security initiatives. ATMIS is central to reducing the influence of terrorist groups in the region and supporting the Somali government in building a stable and secure state.
India’s ongoing financial and diplomatic support signals its commitment to the future stability of Somalia. By contributing to ATMIS, New Delhi continues to play a vital role in regional peace and security efforts, helping to pave the way for a more peaceful Horn of Africa.
Through its active engagement with the African Union, the United Nations, and Somali authorities, India is working to ensure that the handover of security responsibilities is successful and that Somalia can move toward long-term peace and stability.
