An AU report on the future of AMISOM in Somalia
MOGADISHU, Somalia – A report released by an independent team assessing the future of AMISOM in Somalia exposed some of the underlying factors, which could after all delay the long-awaited exit of the nation’s team from the Horn of Africa, after a decade of peacekeeping.
According to the report which was exclusively seen by Garowe Online, the dysfunctional relationship between the FGS and the FMS has contributed to political instability and insecurity. In addition, he notes, the inability to put in place local governance structures and the lack of public services in the newly liberated areas affect the achievement of the stabilization process.
In addition, intensive intra- and inter-clan clashes over resources have increased insecurity for communities. This, he says, has led AS to provide alternative governance, services, justice, and even taxes, which the FGS and FMS cannot do.
Key to stabilizing Somalia is the implementation of the STP, requiring the SSF to take primary responsibility for Somalia’s defense and security functions. The generation and integration of forces remains a major challenge, according to the report.
In addition, the lack of political consensus on the implementation of major decisions agreed at the national level has a negative impact on the generation and integration of forces. Unless political differences are resolved, the PTS will not be achieved in the short, medium and long term after 202, the reports noted.
Thus, the editors offered four options on the future of AMISOM in Somalia, which have already been rejected by the government of President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo. The government said it would issue a detailed statement on the same issue.
The first option was to establish an AU-UN multidimensional stabilization mission in Somalia. [AU-UNMIS]. As part of this plan, AMISOM would fully transform into an AU-UN multidimensional stabilization mission in Somalia deployed under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
In the current context, it is necessary to adopt a holistic and comprehensive multidimensional approach, beyond the security and stabilization process, which has dominated the last 14 years.
The core of the security components would be the contingents currently serving AMISOM, subject to an assessment of their capabilities, and would be increased if necessary to respond to new realities such as the opening of new sectors.
The second option, according to the report, could be support for the multidimensional stabilization of the AU in Somalia [or Reconfigured AMISOM]. The perception that AMISOM is primarily a fighting force is therefore obsolete.
A new AU mission in Somalia, the editors said, must include a strong political component, which is led by the AU in coordination with the UN and other international partners. AMISOM functioned as a multidimensional peace enforcement operation deployed in a non-permissive environment.
The report further states that the third option could be the deployment of the East Africa Standby Force. [EASF]. AU PSC to use African Standby Force [ASF] concept by mandating the East Africa Standby Force [EASF] and other regional standby forces to be deployed to strengthen peace, security and stabilization in Somalia.
Some of the countries in the region are currently deployed under AMISOM. Ensure coordinated, predictable and sustainable funding from the United Nations and international partners. The countries of the region will mobilize the equipment necessary for the implementation of the mandate.
The fourth option involves the possibility of an exit from AMISOM and the assumption by the SSF of security responsibilities under STP post-2021. There is a perception that the FGS is increasingly losing faith in the AU’s involvement in stabilization in Somalia.
The rejection of the AU Envoy by the FGS and the failure of the FGS to engage the AU-IA team until the final report has already been submitted to the Commission, at some point in time. The uncertainty over the security and political situation, and mistrust among political actors in Somalia, sends a message that the involvement of the African Union in Somalia is not welcomed by political actors.
This option will require the direct support of the international community and bilateral partners to FGS, given the strategic interests pursued by these partners in Somalia. The exit of AMISOM could be accomplished in six months.
In conclusion, the report says Somalia must, among other things, truly implement its May 27, 2021 accord, finalize the constitutional review process, resolve all outstanding issues and urgently establish the Constitutional Court to resolve future issues. disputes between the FGS and the FMS regarding their respective powers and responsibilities under the Federal Constitution of Somalia.
In addition, he added, FGS and FMS, in collaboration with civil society organizations [CSOs], should undertake civic education to instill the principles of federalism set forth in Chapter V of the 2012 Provisional Federal Constitution of Somalia.
AXADLETM
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