UN approves new #AU force to take on al-Shabab in #Somalia
The United Nations Security Council has approved the establishment of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (#AUSSOM), which will replace the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (#ATMIS) when its mandate expires on December 31. The new force aims to combat al-Shabab and stabilize the country, with troop deployment set to begin in January.
The resolution, adopted by 14 of the Council’s 15 members, saw the United States abstain due to concerns over funding mechanisms. U.S. representative Dorothy Shea stated, “The conditions have not been met for immediate transition” to a U.N.-supported financing mechanism that could cover up to 75% of the force’s expenses.
Somalia’s representative emphasized the collaborative efforts underpinning the mission, noting, “Current AUSSOM troop allocations are completed through bilateral agreements,” with 11,000 troops pledged so far. #Egypt has confirmed its participation, amid strained regional dynamics between Somalia and #Ethiopia. Tensions rose after Ethiopia signed a maritime agreement with #Somaliland earlier this year, pushing Somalia closer to Ethiopia’s regional rival, Egypt.
The approval of AUSSOM comes as Somalia continues to face challenges from al-Shabab’s insurgency, ongoing conflict, and climate disasters. Turkey recently mediated an agreement to ease relations between Somalia and Ethiopia ahead of the mission’s deployment.
