Funding Shortfalls and Escalating Tensions in Ethiopia May Hinder Somalia’s ATMIS Transition

In the bustling streets of Mogadishu, Somalia, an African Union peacekeeper strolls by a line of armored vehicles. The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, better known as ATMIS, is grappling with the possibility of stumbling blocks in its concluding phase. Why? The culprits are inadequate funding and heightened regional unease, particularly with neighbor Ethiopia in the mix.

Mogadishu (AX) — The African Union’s mission in Somalia is hitting snags as it edges nearer to its finale. The root of the hiccups? Substantial funding shortfalls combined with escalating frictions involving Ethiopia. Together, they’re throwing a spanner in the works for the mission’s timely wrap-up.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, not one to sit idle, recently sat down for chinwagging with leaders from troop-giving nations such as Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, and Djibouti. Prez Mohamud underscored Somalia’s bid for the reins in overseeing the mission’s upcoming phase. He laid bare the country’s ambition for autonomy, highlighting a wish to rule the roost over any military inputs. Equally adamant, Somalia wants Ethiopian forces to gradually hit the road from its soil, echoing a vision of greater self-reliance.

But here’s the rub: The globe’s collective conscience is a little jumbled on slinging financial lifelines toward this revamped mission structure. The United States, along with several favored allies, are game for a fresh peacekeeping blueprint rolling out in 2026. On the flip side, a chorus of voices from folks in the United Nations Security Council aren’t exactly singing hallelujahs about Somalia’s strategy. To placate the debate, U.N. officials have tossed the idea of stretching the ATMIS mandate, buying breathing space to fine-tune how the mission could roll moving forward.

This stance is part and parcel of Somalia’s bigger mission: carving out greater independence in its security modus operandi. Yet, the persistent money troubles and neighborhood complexities loom like a dark cloud. How these powwows pan out will undeniably steer the course for Somalia’s future stability and determine how foreign troops figure in its landscape as the African Union hustles for a shot at resolution.

Edited by: Ali Musa

alimusa@axadletimes.com

Axadle international–Monitoring