Saturday June 22, 2024
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud meets with the new U.S. Ambassador to Somalia, Richard H. Riley, and Gen. Michael E. Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), at Villa Somalia on Friday. They discussed the strategic security partnership and joint counterterrorism measures. CREDIT: Villa Somalia
Mogadishu (HOL) — Negotiations over the financing of new forces to replace the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) have become difficult. According to diplomatic sources, both the European Union and the United States have expressed reservations.
The African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) recently approved a new AU-led mission to support Somalia's security transition after ATMIS concludes at the end of 2024.
The Somali presidency and the prime minister's office have reportedly yet to respond to Western countries' suggestions that the new army plan should proceed cautiously and not be rushed. National Security Adviser Hussein Sheikh Ali stated that the request to delay this month's withdrawal aligns with the plan to reduce the ATMIS mission gradually.
On Friday, the new U.S. Ambassador to Somalia, Richard H. Riley, met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Gen. Michael E. Langley, the Commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). They discussed the strategic security partnership between Somalia and the U.S., focusing on joint counterterrorism measures.
A European Union spokesperson mentioned that they support, in principle, the Somali government's proposal to establish a new mission. However, the spokesperson emphasized the importance of avoiding security gaps and incurring unnecessary costs that exceed the current mission.
According to three diplomatic sources closely following the situation, the European Union seeks a more stringent framework than what Somalia desires for establishing new troops. Two diplomats interviewed by Reuters, who wished to remain anonymous, indicated that the United States and the European Union aim to scale back peacekeeping operations in Somalia.
The new mission aims to degrade Al Shabaab, maintain security, and assist in state-building efforts. A phased approach to the Phase 3 drawdown of ATMIS forces was approved, with 4,000 personnel to be withdrawn in two tranches by September 2024. The PSC expressed concerns about potential capability gaps after the drawdown, which could allow Al Shabaab to reorganize.
The financial implications of the phased drawdown were discussed extensively. The PSC highlighted the need for substantial resource mobilization to support the transition. Calls were made to the United Nations, European Union, and other international partners to secure funding to ensure the implementation of the new mission. The funds involve covering operational costs and investing in capacity building for Somali security forces to prevent security lapses and provide long-term stability.