Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), serving under African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), received new directives following a United Nations Security Council meeting over their operations.
In a statement dated Saturday, July 1, ATMIS instructed its soldiers (including KDF) to prioritise three areas, majorly touching on political processes, economic recovery and logistics from July 1 to December 31, 2023.
UN directed the military officers to support law enforcement officers in their operations against Al-Shabaab. Specifically, the UN implored the soldiers to help Somali soldiers secure routes and other areas, allowing the government to stabilise its economy and operations.
The UN Security Council also asked the soldiers to support all upcoming political processes such as elections and appointments of new officials and lead peace processes between political players to ensure a sustainable transition.
Besides that, KDF soldiers under ATMIS were asked to prepare for their planned drawdown and exit from Somalia starting in 2024. The resolution was in line with an earlier directive President William Ruto issued earlier confirming that KDF will exit the East African country in 2024.
"We are working with our brothers and sisters in Somalia. Even as the drawdown of the troops is expected by next year, we have a concrete plan on how Somalia is going to move on as a state," the Head of State stated on Tuesday, May 2.
UN, however, called on member states, including Kenya, to deploy more uniformed and other personnel to Somalia to help in the transition process.
"(ATMIS) authorises the member states of the African Union to deploy up to 17,626 uniformed personnel to ATMIS until September 30, 2023, and 14,626 personnel to ATMIS from October 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, and affirms its readiness to review these figures in light of the proposal requested in paragraph 41 to this resolution," UN stated.
To support their operation till December 2023, the UN vowed to deploy more surveillance helicopters and arm the soldiers.
"(ATMIS) recalls its request in resolutions 2628 and 2670 (2022) for an updated logistical support plan, and takes note of the letter from the Secretary-General in this regard dated 8 May 2023, and requests, within agreed budget authorisations, the United Nations to work with ATMIS troop-contributing countries to expedite the process for the deployment of additional air assets, up to a total of 24 helicopters, as well as counter IED, surveillance and other capabilities to enhance ATMIS capabilities for the effective implementation of Phases 2 and 3," the statement stated.
The new directives came after a series of attacks in Lamu County allegedly staged by Al Shabaab. The attacks targeted civilians and law enforcement officers.
Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, on Friday, June 30, travelled to the affected areas in Kilifi and directed police officers to increase surveillance to avert further attacks.
