The federal government of Somalia and the African Union have finalized troop contributions for a new AU mission, comprising 11,900 personnel. Disagreements primarily revolved around contributions from Ethiopia, Somalia, and Burundi. Burundian forces will depart amid ongoing negotiations, while Ethiopian troops are confirmed to participate. Key regions of operation and funding challenges remain significant aspects of the mission.
The federal government of Somalia and the African Union (AU) have reached an agreement on the troop numbers for the new AU mission, following extended discussions. This agreement marks a resolution to prior disputes, particularly between Ethiopia and Somalia, as well as Somalia and Burundi.
An unnamed AU official disclosed that Burundian forces, present in Somalia since 2007, will be departing due to disagreements over troop contributions from Burundi. The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is set to deploy approximately 11,900 personnel, comprising soldiers, police, and civilian support staff, as announced by Somali and AU officials.
The distribution of troops involves 4,500 soldiers from Uganda, 2,500 from Ethiopia, 1,520 from Djibouti, 1,410 from Kenya, and 1,091 from Egypt. Although negotiations surrounding Burundian troop contributions are still ongoing, the second AU diplomat emphasized the significance of Burundi’s departure, noting the political and financial implications it entails for the AU.
Funding for AUSSOM remains unresolved, and the second diplomat remarked, “Burundi sacrificed a lot, and they deserve to have their concerns addressed.”
Additional police personnel from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Egypt will also be deployed to key areas in Somalia, including Mogadishu, Jowhar, and Baidoa. The discussions surrounding troop contributions experienced delays due to rising tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, sparked by Ethiopia’s controversial sea access deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland.
Tensions began to ease following a breakthrough agreement facilitated by Turkish mediation, and an agreement was established that confirmed the participation of Ethiopian troops in the new mission. This arrangement followed a visit from an Ethiopian delegation, during which discussions encompassed counterterrorism and regional stability.
As per the communique from Somalia’s National News Agency, the importance of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) in peace support operations was emphasized, along with the specific regions where Ethiopian troops will be stationed. The only new contingent will come from Egypt, which has shown support for Somalia in its disputes with Ethiopia.
Ethiopian troops will be stationed in regions where they have previously served, specifically Gedo, Bay, Bakool, and Hiran. The existing bilateral cooperation between Ethiopia and Somalia has also been extended to include a Status of Forces Agreement for all forces operating within Somalia.
The initial AU forces from Uganda arrived in 2007, during a critical phase when al-Shabab was beginning to establish itself in Somalia. The ongoing activities of al-Shabab continue to pose significant threats, as evidenced by their recent coordinated attacks in central Somalia, which were repelled by government forces. In Puntland, security forces are engaged in an offensive against Islamic State militants, with confidence in capturing their main base soon.
In summary, the agreement between Somalia and the African Union regarding troop numbers for the AUSSOM marks a significant step in addressing regional security challenges. The arrangement enables the participation of troops from various countries while highlighting ongoing discussions particularly regarding Burundi’s withdrawal. The implications of funding and support for the mission remain critical factors to consider as the situation evolves and local security efforts against extremist groups continue.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
