UNSC Authorises New Peacekeeping Mission In Somalia

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted Resolution 2767 and has authorized a new peacekeeping mission called AUSSOM (African Union Stabilisation and Support Mission) that will replace the existing, larger AU anti-terrorism mission in Somalia starting January 1, 2025.

About AUSSOM

• The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) will serve as the African Union’s new peacekeeping and stabilization operation in Somalia. 
• It is Succeeding the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), 
• It include troops from the East African Nations of Egypt, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Uganda, Kenya, and Burundi.

About UN Peacekeeping 

• United Nations Peacekeeping is a mechanism/tool established by the United Nations (UN) to assist countries transitioning from conflict to peace.
• Blue Helmets/Blue Berets: The UN Peacekeepers are also called the Blue Helmets because the General Assembly resolution 167 (II) passed in 1947 approved light blue as the color for the United Nations flag.
• Principles: UN Peacekeeping is guided by three basic principles:
  • Consent of the parties;
  • Impartiality;
  • Non-use of force except in self-defence and defence of the mandate.
• Scope of Peacekeeping: Modern peacekeeping operations go beyond maintaining peace and security, but also focusing on:
  • facilitating political processes, protecting civilians, supporting disarmament and reintegration, organizing elections, and restoring human rights and the rule of law.
• Current Peacekeeping Operations: There are currently 11 UN peacekeeping operations deployed on three continents. Nobel Peace Prize: The UN Peacekeeping forces were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1988 for their efforts in maintaining peace and preventing conflict in various regions. 

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About Somalia

• Location
  • Somalia is located in the Horn of Africa.
  • It is bordered by:
    • The Gulf of Aden to the north.
    • The Indian Ocean to the east.
    • Kenya and Ethiopia to the west.
    • Djibouti to the northwest.
• Capital: The capital city of Somalia is Mogadishu.
• Terrain: Somalia has diverse landscapes:
  • The northern region is dominated by the Golis Mountains.
  • The southern region consists of savannas and grasslands.
• Islands
  • Bajuni Islands: These are located off the Somali coast.
  • Socotra Archipelago:
    • Includes islands such as Socotra, Abd al Kuri, and Samha.
    • Despite being geographically close to Somalia, the archipelago is administered by Yemen.