UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has praised the African Union Transition Mission's recent formation in Somalia (ATMIS).

In a statement released on Wednesday, the senior UN official reaffirmed the UN's "unwavering commitment" to Somalia and pledged his "full support" to ATMIS and Somali security forces in their continuous struggle against al-Shabab.

The Secretary-General asked all partners to promptly secure sustainable and predictable funding for ATMIS and resourcing of Somali security forces in support of the country's security transition.  The UN chief expressed his eagerness to engage closely with the African Union, the Somali Federal Government, and all partners to assist a progressive turnover of security responsibilities to Somali security forces.

Guterres also praised the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) for its major achievements over the last 15 years. He thanked the AMISOM troop- and police-contributing countries for their dedication to promoting peace in Somalia, and he paid tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

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