IGAD Calls for 8,000 Additional Troops and Funding Amid Al-Shabaab Threats in Somalia

Mogadishu (AX) — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has sounded the alarm, urgently calling for the rapid deployment of an additional 8,000 peacekeepers. This plea is made against the backdrop of escalating Al-Shabaab attacks, which have cast a long shadow over years of stabilization efforts in Somalia. The situation is becoming increasingly precarious, jeopardizing the hard-earned progress of the nation.

During a ministerial meeting held in Kampala on Thursday, IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu articulated the gravity of the situation. “Somalia’s security is at a critical crossroads,” he stated, his voice echoing the urgency of the moment. “Our troops are holding the line, but they are being pushed beyond their limits. We face impossible choices on fuel, ammunition, and basic supplies.” How often do we overlook the grim realities faced by those tasked with protecting others?

In fact, the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which officially took the helm on January 1, has already been severely hampered by a staggering funding shortfall of $96 million. Despite the critical nature of the mission, only 75% of operational needs are currently being met through UN-assessed contributions. This leaves a perilous gap in logistics and resupply, effectively jeopardizing operations at a time when security is paramount.

Al-Shabaab has capitalized on this instability, launching a wide-ranging offensive earlier this year that has shaken the very foundations of peace in Somalia. Key towns like Adan Yabal and Wargaadhi have fallen into their hands, while major supply routes across Galgudud, Hiraan, and Mudug have been severely disrupted. Dubbed “Operation Ramadan,” the attacks have set back years of progress achieved by Somali and allied forces. One can’t help but ponder—what does this mean for the local communities who have already faced so much?

Amnesty International has reported that the violence is not merely a military concern—it has significantly worsened humanitarian conditions in central Somalia. As of now, over 2.9 million people are displaced, their lives disrupted, as basic services like health, education, and agriculture are brought to their knees, especially in areas controlled by Al-Shabaab. These statistics represent not just numbers but real lives—families grappling with uncertainty and fear.

The Kampala summit followed two intensive days of consultations among senior officials and defense chiefs from nations contributing troops. This collaborative effort yielded a series of critical recommendations aimed at addressing the current crisis:

• Immediate deployment of 8,000 additional troops to bolster current operations
• Expansion of air support and intelligence-sharing to enhance operational capacities
• Recruitment and training of local defense forces to foster grassroots resilience
• Strengthened coordination mechanisms between federal and regional authorities
• Establishment of a joint Peer Review Mechanism for ongoing assessment and adjustment

Gebeyehu emphasized the need for regional governments to enhance logistical support for operations and advocated for a summit focused on securing critical donor funding. “The people of Somalia are not concerned about mission titles. They want their homes and families to be safe,” he declared, striking a poignant chord that resonates beyond the political arena. What does safety truly signify for those living in constant fear?

Tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia have escalated recently, exacerbated by a controversial maritime agreement between Ethiopia and North Western State of Somalia. Mogadishu regards this pact as illegal, prompting Egypt to step in with military support for Somalia. This evolving chess game of regional alliances left many wondering how such diverging interests could threaten an already fragile peace. In December 2024, Turkey facilitated negotiations between the two nations, resulting in the Ankara Declaration. This agreement was meant to reaffirm respect for sovereignty and spark discussions about Ethiopia’s access to the sea under Somalia’s governance. Yet, the unresolved status of the agreement, coupled with Ethiopia’s hesitations, leaves Mogadishu anxious about the future.

IGAD remains vigilant, warning that these geopolitical tensions, if not adequately addressed alongside funding and force support, could further undermine stabilization efforts. As Gebeyehu asserted at the summit, “We were not convened here to read prepared remarks. We came to act. Somalia’s future—and our region’s future—depends on what we do now.” This is a clarion call to action. Are we prepared to rise to the occasion?

In this moment of profound uncertainty, one thing remains clear: the path ahead is fraught with challenges, yet it offers a tenuous hope for a brighter, more secure future for Somalia and its resilient people.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.