Deployment of Troops Under AUSSOM to Stabilize Somalia

The African Union and Somali authorities have approved the deployment of 2,500 Ethiopian troops along with 1,100 Egyptian troops under AUSSOM, which aims to stabilize Somalia. The mission, set to last until 2028, has encountered funding challenges despite significant troop contributions from various nations including Uganda, Djibouti, and Kenya.

The African Union and the Somali government have approved the deployment of 2,500 Ethiopian troops under the newly established African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Egypt will also contribute approximately 1,100 troops. The overall force under AUSSOM, which commenced this January, aims to include nearly 12,000 military personnel, excluding police forces.

Uganda is expected to supply the highest number of troops, with 4,500 personnel, while Djibouti and Kenya will contribute 1,520 and 1,410 peacekeepers, respectively. The final troop configurations have been validated by the Somalia Operations Coordination Committee, which oversees the peacekeeping mission.

AUSSOM has taken over from the African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) as of January but faces challenges due to funding shortages, despite support from the African Union and United Nations. As per an August 2024 report, out of the 20,000 troops previously involved in ATMIS, fewer than 13,000 remain operational in Somalia.

Scheduled to function until the end of 2028, AUSSOM represents the first engagement of Egyptian military personnel in Somalia since previous missions primarily relied on troops from Ethiopia, Kenya, Burundi, Djibouti, and Uganda. This involvement reflects strengthening relations between Cairo and Mogadishu, attributed to ongoing tensions with Ethiopia over maritime rights related to Somaliland.

Additionally, several hundred police officers from Egypt, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone are set to deploy in major Somali cities such as Mogadishu, Jowhar, and Baidoa. Joint military operations between AUSSOM forces and the Somali national army have already commenced, according to statements from Somalia’s national security advisor.

These developments follow a rise in attacks by Al-Shabaab, including an assault on the convoy of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The response has included increased airstrikes from the US and Ethiopian forces targeting Al-Shabaab positions, reflecting a renewed offensive against this extremist group.

Despite the efforts of Somali security forces, Al-Shabaab continues to pose a significant threat, exacerbated by internal clan conflicts and political instability. The UN report suggests that these divisions have undermined the government’s capacity to defend against such threats effectively.

In summary, the African Union and Somali government have initiated the deployment of Ethiopian and Egyptian troops as part of AUSSOM to enhance stability in Somalia. The mission aims to address security challenges, especially in the face of escalating Al-Shabaab attacks. Despite logistical constraints, AUSSOM’s establishment highlights the strengthening partnerships between regional actors and the necessity of international support to stabilize the region.

Original Source: www.thereporterethiopia.com