A statement from the Peace and Security Council said the move was the best way to secure and securing sustainable funding from the United Nations and other partners in Somalia.
However, the AU Peace and Security Council acknowledged that any future operation to replace AMISOM must have the support and approval of the Somali Federal Government as well as the United Nations Security Council.
The statement said the operation was a comprehensive approach to addressing the security situation in Somalia, supporting the implementation of current political issues, and addressing conflict and reconstruction and peace in Somalia.
The AU Peace and Security Council has called on the AU Commission to continue consultations with the United Nations on the preparation of a Joint Report on the financing of the operation, handing over security responsibility to the Somali Security Forces by the end of 2023.
However, the mandate of AMISOM expires on 31 December 2021, and the AU Peace Council has called on the United Nations Security Council to reach an agreement.
The Somali government has already backed down from the African Union’s plan, stating that it prefers to end the AMISOM mission and allow the Somali armed forces to take over responsibility for security in the country.
