After the adoption of the United Nations Council Resolution 2767, the African Union (AU) deployed Peace Support Operation (PSO) in Somalia, made its transition to the AU Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The PSO was formerly referred to as the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) from 2007 to 2022, before transitioning to the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) from 2022 to 2024. Each transition (from 2007-2025) has been shaped by the evolving landscape of peace and conflict, both domestically within Somalia and globally.
To engage in the transitions, ACCORD invited Mr Sivuyile Bam, the Deputy Head of Mission (D-SRCC) for AUSSOM, to an Internal Staff Seminar (ISS) at its Durban office. The ISS provided an opportunity for the guest speaker to reflect on the current state of Somalia and its potential future. In his discussion, Mr Bam further examined the effectiveness and efficiency of the African Union (AU), United Nations (UN) and other international players, including sovereign states from Africa, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas. He emphasised the need to further examine the state of Somalia and the importance of a collective goal to restore sustainable peace.
The AU PSO’s presence in Somalia plays a pivotal role in the continent’s efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. The PSO serves not only as a peace operation but also as a critical tool for the stability of Somalia through coordinated international and regional partnerships. In partnership with the UN, regional organizations, and sovereign states, the AU PSO helps provide the security framework necessary for Somalia’s political transition. As the AU transitions from AMISOM-to-ATMIS-to-AUSSOM, the PSO’s continued adaptation of its mandate to the changing dynamics is essential in fostering long-term sustainable peace and development in Somalia, for its path to self-sufficiency and governance.
ACCORD’s Internal Staff Seminars contribute to research, knowledge production and knowledge sharing. Aiming to enhance the knowledge and capacities of staff around African peace and conflict issues and current affairs, the ISSs are rotational with a focus on peace and security regionally in Africa and globally. The seminars support ACCORD’s peace and security work, and its efforts to support the development and implementation of effective conflict prevention and resolution mechanisms. A comprehensive understanding of the continental landscape is essential for ACCORD to promote sustainable peace and development across the African continent.
