NEW YORK (Halbeeg News) – The United Kingdom has called on International donors to support the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to help the Horn of Africa nation achieve long-term stability.
In a meeting co-chaired by Somalia, UK, Italy and Ethiopia at the UN General Assembly in New York, UK Minister for Africa Harriett Baldwin has urged the partners in support of Somalia’s security, political and economic reforms to join the UK in providing additional funding to AMISOM to ensure it was sufficiently funded to deliver a successful security transition.
“Somalia has a real chance for a better future. One that allows its people to flourish, provides no space for terrorist groups, and contributes to regional stability. Helping to build that future must be a truly international effort. Today I am calling on Somalia’s friends to contribute to ensure sustainable funding for AMISOM.””Minister Harriett Baldwin said.
The United Kingdom has committed £7 million to fund the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom) that is fighting Al-Shabaab fighters in Somalia.
UK Prime Minister Theresa May, during her visit to South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya last month, said Somalia’s instability will have a knock-on effect on other nations.
“Somalia is at a critical juncture. And sustainable, predictable funding and support for the troops who are building stability in the region is vital to support a transition to Somali-led security when the conditions for a handover are right,” Ms. May said.
Ms. May emphasised the importance of durable security, calling for combined efforts to end terrorism.
AMISOM force has been hit by various challenges including inadequate funds.
In 2016, the troop-contributing countries complained of delayed payment by the European Union.
Further, in January of the same year, the EU rolled back its contribution by 20 per cent, meaning it would give €20 million every month up to June 2016.
In September, African Union and the EU signed a deal to have the soldiers receive their allowances for the past nine months from the €178 million boost from the European bloc.
Amisom, established in 2007, requires about $300 million a month to run its operations.
Rush Withdrawal
Minister Baldwin praised the bravery and positive impact of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) troops and the Somali forces who are fighting against Al Shabaab and restoring stability to the country.
She emphasised the importance of a successful transition of responsibility for Somalia’s security to its own forces.
“A rushed withdrawal, without sustainable and predictable funding in place, would jeopardise the fragile progress made over recent years” the minister said.
According to its website, Amisom comprises troops from Uganda, Burundi, Djibouti, Kenya and Ethiopia who are deployed in six sectors covering south and central Somalia; headed by Lieutenant General Jim Beesigye Owoyesigire.
“Ugandan troops are deployed in Sector 1, which comprises the regions of Banadir and Lower Shabelle.
“Kenyan forces are responsible for Sector 2, comprising Lower and Middle Jubba. Sector 3 comprising Bay and Bakool as well as Gedo (Sub Sector 3) come under Ethiopian command.
“Djiboutian forces are in charge of Sector 4, which covers Hiiraan and Galgaduud, while Burundian forces are in charge of Sector 5, which covers the Middle Shabelle region,” the site says.
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