What’s Next for AU Mission in Somalia?
MOGADISHU, Somalia – The destiny of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) hangs like a storm cloud, largely due to anxieties over transferring power, Ethiopia-related friction, and a lack of financial support from donors who’ve backed this initiative for quite a spell.
Monetary shortfalls persist, leading to an unfortunate predicament where soldiers haven’t seen paychecks in many moons. Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s alleged territorial ambitions stir the pot, causing jitters amongst Somalia’s allies.
Facing scant resources, there’s a looming question: What about the shift towards the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) slated for January 2025?
Somalia’s big cheese, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has been globe-trotting, meeting with nations contributing troops and bin’ thrashing out the mission’s future. He’s had chinwags in Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, and Djibouti; interestingly, Ethiopia was left out due to perceived hostility.
Throughout this diplomatic dance, President Mohamud reiterated Somalia’s determination to control the mission’s reins, craving a more dominant role over military inputs. His hope is to exclude Ethiopian forces, urging them to pack their bags and leave Somali soil.
The globe’s big players hold differing viewpoints on funding this mission redux. While the US leans toward launching in 2026, heavyweights at the United Nations Security Council have voiced hesitations. Somalia, however, has its eyes on January 2025 for kickstarting the mission.
The U.N. bigwigs have suggested extending ATMIS’s mandate, buying time to mull over the mission’s layout. Somalia’s clear the new mission needs Egypt at the helm, a move complicating ties with countries initially spearheading peace efforts in Somalia.
These powwows might very well sketch the road map for Somalia’s long-term tranquility, affecting foreign troops’ involvement as the African Union seeks a solution. With Ethiopia labeled as adversarial, Somalia demands their forces take a step back.
When Ethiopia signed a deal with North Western State of Somalia for Red Sea passage rights, Somalia cried foul. In response, Somalia inked defense deals with Egypt and Turkey, ensuring her sovereignty stands rock-solid.
AXADLETM
