Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, handed over a USD 2 million contribution to the United Nations Trust Fund in support of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) on Friday, reiterating New Delhi’s commitment to peace and stability in Somalia and the Horn of Africa.
Before, India contributed USD 4 million to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
India’s Permanent Mission to the UN noted in a press release, “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.” Permanent Mission of India to the UN in a tweet stated, “Today, on behalf of the Government of #India, Ambassador @ruchirakamboj handed over a cheque of US$ 2 million in favour of the @_AfricanUnion Mission in Somalia. India stands committed to building peace and stability in Africa.”
According to the release, India as an elected member of the UN Security Council has engaged constructively to ensure the smooth transition from African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to ATMIS in line with the security requirements of Somalia.
India emphasised that the prompt and progressive transfer of security responsibilities from ATMIS to Somali security forces is critical and must be calibrated to avoid security gaps. India also praised the ATMIS troops and police contributing countries for their long-term commitment and sacrifices over the years.
According to India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, New Delhi has been a “steadfast supporter” of AMISOM and has been participating in peacekeeping in Somalia for more than 30 years. Additionally, it stated that India continues to support the African Union and the United Nations in combating terrorism and fostering peace and stability in Somalia and the Horn of Africa.\
Also, in the release, India’s Permanent Mission to the UN said, “ATMIS was established on 1 April 2022 pursuant to the Security Council resolution 2628 (2022) and African Union Peace and Security Council Communique 1068th 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.” It further said that the primary role of ATMIS is to reduce the threat posed by the terrorist group Al-Shabaad.
