AU and EU warn over AUSSOM funding
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Shabelle Media Network
The African Union and European Union say AUSSOM’s financial and operational difficulties threaten security gains made in Somalia. They call for predictable and sustainable funding for the African mission, as well as a Somali-led assessment of the impact of the planned withdrawal of the UN support office, according to their joint communiqué.
The African Union (AU) and European Union (EU) on Friday called for predictable and sustainable funding for AUSSOM, the AU Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia, warning that its financial and operational difficulties could jeopardise security gains against al-Shabab insurgents. The two organisations also called for a Somali-led assessment of the consequences of the expected withdrawal of United Nations logistical support, according to their joint communiqué issued in Addis Ababa.
The AU and EU cited UN Security Council Resolution 2719, the AU Peace Fund and contributions from international partners as possible mechanisms. They welcomed progress by the Somali federal government and AUSSOM in the fight against al-Shabab, as well as new deployments carried out under bilateral agreements.
The warning comes two days after Somalia and Uganda prepare AUSSOM mission withdrawal, amid the gradual transfer of security responsibilities to Somali forces. It also follows the departure of 109 Ugandan soldiers from Somalia, announced on 30 October.
