peacekeeping

Reevaluating U.N. Peacekeeping Funding: A Proposal from the White House Budget Office The recent proposal from the White House budget office to cut funding for United Nations peacekeeping missions has sparked significant concern. The reasoning behind this decision primarily hinges on what officials describe as operational failures in regions such as Mali, Lebanon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These areas have faced numerous challenges, making the efficacy of peacekeeping missions a point of contention. Can…

Today, a significant meeting of European defense ministers is set to take place, aiming to discuss the establishment of a peacekeeping force. This initiative could be a crucial component of the security guarantees that Ukraine has stated are essential to deter any future Russian aggression following a potential ceasefire. As President Emmanuel Macron remarked, "In unity, we find strength," emphasizing the collaborative effort required for peace. Defense ministers from Europe's five primary military powers—France, Britain,…

Amidst the intricate maze of global politics, there are moments when leaders must come together to confront towering challenges. Such was the case one Monday afternoon when US President Donald Trump and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, convened at the White House to tackle an issue that holds the world’s attention—the peace process in Ukraine. Emerging from over an hour of closed-door discussions, Trump faced the media. His demeanor was one of satisfaction as he conveyed the productive dialogue with…

On the inaugural day of 2025, a momentous peacekeeping initiative took its first steps. This mission, designed to unfold over a five-year span, heralds a significant shift: Uganda's military will now command the helm in two strategic sectors within Somalia, sectors previously overseen by forces from Burundi.The Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF) are stepping into a pivotal role with the inception of the African Union Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This move signals an invigorated chapter in Uganda’s…

Next week, Egypt is set for discussions with Somalia to explore the role Egyptian troops could play in a diverse force tackling Islamist extremists in the Horn of Africa. This is a notable development in a longstanding regional conflict, promising potential shifts in military alliances and strategies. According to Ali Balcad, the Somali state minister for foreign affairs, these crucial talks are slated for January 15-17 in bustling Cairo. Not too long ago, Egypt's foreign minister declared that Egypt would contribute…

Burundi, a country known for its significant role in the African Union's peacekeeping missions in Somalia, has made the decision to withdraw from the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) due to disagreements regarding troop numbers. This withdrawal marks a notable shift, especially considering Burundi's longstanding commitment to stabilizing the region over the past 17 years. The crux of the issue lies in the allocation of troops; Somalia proposed deploying just 1,041 soldiers from Burundi, a figure that the…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A senior official has revealed that the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) won't be involved in Somalia's upcoming peacekeeping efforts. This could spark yet another prolonged clash that might hinder efforts to build the state. As of January 2025, a brand new mission is planned to roll out, replacing the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Known as the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), it will feature a leaner troop presence. Bitterness is…

Somalia Makes Bold Move to Exclude Ethiopian Forces from New AU Peace Initiative MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a development brimming with geopolitical intrigue, Somalia has officially petitioned the African Union (AU) and the United Nations for the exclusion of Ethiopian military personnel from a restructured peacekeeping force. This initiative aims to tackle insurgents tied to al-Qaeda, notably the notorious group al-Shabaab. This decision, unveiled through a foreign affairs ministry communique, follows a period of fraught…

At the African Defense Ministers Conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, military brass from across the continent gathered to chat about pivoting from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to the fresh African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Mogadishu (AX) — On October 16, 2024, amidst explicit disapproval from Somalia, Ethiopia hosted a confab of Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) involved in ATMIS. The hoopla took place during the African Defense Leaders Conference in Addis…

Mogadishu (AX) – Nations involved in the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) have pledged their continued support for peacekeeping efforts as ATMIS concludes in December 2024.During last week's African Defense Ministers Conference in Addis Ababa, defense chiefs from these countries confirmed their backing for the upcoming African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), starting January 2025.They highlighted financial hurdles challenging both ATMIS and AUSSOM. Emphasizing the importance of…