President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia and President William Ruto of Kenya have reached a consensus on the critical need for a seamless transition from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to the newly formed African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The leaders underscored the importance of upholding territorial integrity, securing reliable funding, and safeguarding against the influence of the extremist group El-sebab during this transition.
During his two-day diplomatic visit to Kenya, President Mohamud held extensive discussions with President Ruto at State House in Nairobi. Their talks addressed key bilateral and regional issues, with a particular focus on collaborative efforts to bolster security and stability in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa.
The leaders acknowledged the significant contribution of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in combating terrorism in Somalia, working in conjunction with Somali security forces and other nations contributing to ATMIS. They emphasized the necessity for a well-structured transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM, which is set to commence on January 1, 2025.
President Mohamud expressed gratitude for Ruto’s ongoing support of Somalia’s state-building efforts and praised Kenya’s role in promoting peace and security in the region. They also called for effective funding strategies for AUSSOM, potentially through UN Resolution 2719, to facilitate the mission’s success.
Beyond security concerns, Mohamud and Ruto addressed enhancing trade relations between their nations. They agreed to dismantle trade barriers to facilitate the flow of goods and services across borders. President Ruto has directed Kenya’s Trade Cabinet Secretary, Salim Mvurya, to identify new opportunities for enhancing bilateral trade and encouraged the private sector to take advantage of favorable policies.
Both presidents reiterated their commitment to ongoing dialogue, addressing shared interests, and promoting cooperation to achieve enduring peace and prosperity for their countries.