US 'refuses' funding African Union peacekeeping forces in Somalia

AU UN IST Photo/Mahamud Hassan

WASHINGTON, US - The United States is not keen to continue supporting the African Union (AU) forces in Somalia. Details have emerged that could potentially affect the operations of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

Last week, officials from the African Union were in the US to push for funding of the new mission, which has taken over roles from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) but whose operationalisation remains a nightmare.

But multiple sources familiar with the matter say the US has refused to commit itself to funding AUSSOM, citing concerns over operational inefficiencies and the lack of burden-sharing among international partners.

Last month, the Troops Contributing Countries (TCC) held a meeting in Kampala where discussions about more funding were mooted. However, the US insists that other donors must pump an equal amount of resources for Washington to remain committed to the course.

Although the AU troops have been in the country for nearly two decades, the military operations have failed to eliminate the group, which still has a strong presence in central and southern regions. Al-Shabaab made significant gains last month in Hirshabelle.

The outgoing mission — ATMIS is owed up to a tune of $100 million in unpaid salaries and allowances, making the objectives of the mission almost untenable. Troops' morale also remains at an all-time low, affecting operational effectiveness.

Western donors have grown increasingly disillusioned after years of protracted engagement and limited progress. Critics argue that billions of dollars in international aid have been squandered, fueling what observers describe as donor fatigue and strategic pessimism.

The international support has been integral in the fight against both the al-Shabaab and ISIS militants in Somalia, with the US army often providing aerial surveillance and bombardments whenever the troops on the frontlines are under serious threat.

Financing the AUSSOM peacekeeping forces has been a discussion within the last few months, even as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud insisted that his government is committed to the fight against Al-Shabaab. The US has, however, not issued an official statement about the future of the mission in Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE