Australia Increases Somalia Peace Funding Amid Rising Uncertainties

Mogadishu (AX) — The African Union (AU) has recently taken a significant step toward enhancing peace and stability in Somalia by doubling its allocation from the Peace Fund. With an additional commitment of $10 million, the AU aims to facilitate a transition to a new stabilization mission led by the continental body. This move comes at a critical time, as there is an increasing gap in international funding for Somalia’s security initiatives.

This funding decision was made during the 47th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council, which convened from July 10 to 11 in the picturesque city of Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. With this latest allocation, the AU’s total commitment to Somalia for the year 2025 has reached a notable $20 million, sourced from its Crisis Reserve Facility.

The new financial resources are designated for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). AUSSOM is set to take the reins in January 2025, succeeding the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Notably, ATMIS is slated to conclude its operations by the end of 2024. The transition is not just a logistical end—it signifies a shift towards more sustainable, locally-led security efforts.

AU officials express optimism that this additional funding will enhance Somali-led security operations, foster better coordination among involved parties, and mitigate potential operational interruptions during the handover process. But while the AU’s increased commitment is commendable, it raises the question: Can funding alone ensure success? Will these additional resources be utilized effectively to realize the aspirations of a stable Somalia?

Yet, despite these robust initiatives, the financial future of AUSSOM remains clouded with uncertainty. The United Nations has pledged to cover up to 75% of AUSSOM’s estimated annual cost of $166.5 million. However, the United States has chosen not to contribute directly to this mission, a stark departure from its previous support. U.S. officials have cited concerns regarding oversight, sustainability, and the division of responsibilities among coalition partners. This shift in stance prompts an essential inquiry: How can Somalia ensure diverse financial backing when traditional allies pull back?

Historically, the U.S. has played a pivotal role in supporting AU missions in Somalia. From 2007 to 2020, for instance, Washington invested over €2 billion in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and its successor mission, ATMIS. That’s no small sum. The scale of this commitment reflects not just financial engagement but also a broader geopolitical strategy. But now, as we stand at a crossroads, one must ponder the implications of these changes on Somalia’s stability.

In May 2024, the AU issued a clear warning about potential “security gaps” should AUSSOM not receive timely funding. This is more than just a bureaucratic concern; it’s a matter of national security and public safety. Somalia has consistently urged its allies to provide predictable and long-term financial support, recognizing the critical need for stability in a region often beset by conflict. Just last June, Mogadishu and the AU reached an agreement to establish a joint command structure, aiming to ensure a stronger national leadership presence under AUSSOM. Such efforts reflect a growing acknowledgment of the need for local ownership in peacekeeping efforts.

The AU Peace Fund, revamped in 2016 to lessen reliance on external donors, aspires to encourage member contributions totaling $400 million. However, the stark reality is that African-led peacekeeping missions—including ATMIS—continue to depend heavily on backing from the European Union and the United Nations. This dependence raises concerns about the sustainability of peacekeeping operations in the long run.

An insightful yet worrying reflection can be gleaned from the experiences of ATMIS contingents, particularly the Ugandan troops, who faced pay delays ranging from one to three months between 2018 and 2022. Such delays arose from bureaucratic bottlenecks in fund transfers from the EU to the AU Commission, illustrating the tangible consequences of inconsistent funding. These circumstances have spurred renewed efforts within AU institutions to expand their financial base, seeking more diversified funding channels to secure operational effectiveness.

As we consider these complexities, it forces us to ask a deeper question: Is it enough to secure funding, or must we also enhance our systems of governance, oversight, and cooperation? The stories of individuals affected by these missions remind us that they are not merely figures in a financial ledger but human lives intertwined with the destiny of their nation. Somalia stands at a pivotal moment, and with the right mix of resources, strategies, and local engagement, there is potential for genuine progress.

In conclusion, the recent decisions made by the AU reflect not merely a financial commitment but a significant political and social endeavor. As we look forward to 2025 and beyond, the path to peace will require not just additional funds but a concerted effort from all stakeholders, fostering cooperation and resilience in Somalia. The journey is complex, yet it holds the promise of a more secure and stable future for the Somali people.

Edited By Ali Musa

Axadle Times International – Monitoring