The Somali Federal Government (SFG) announced on 12 October that it “strongly disapproves” of a proposal to replace the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) with a new hybrid Multidimensional Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AU-UNMIS).
At a 7 October meeting in Addis Ababa, the African Union's Peace and Security Council (AU-PSC) endorsed the establishment of the AU-UNMIS, which it said would “ensure predictable and sustainable multiyear financing for the future mission through UN-assessed contributions”.
It said the new mission would have “balanced military and police components” commensurate with what it described as a worsening security situation, but also a strengthened civilian component “to provide robust political engagement that can assist the political process”. It noted that Somalia's progress towards a new constitution and democratic elections has been delayed by a dispute between the president and prime minister.
A statement released by the Somali foreign ministry on 12 October expressed “grave concern at the AU-PSC's continued disregard of Somalia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence”.
It said the SFG had previously rejected the AU-UNMIS proposal and had worked with an AU technical team to draft the role and structure of a new AU transition mission. However, this has been ignored by the AU-PSC.
“The AU-PSC must recognise any future AU transition mission will be dependent on the consent of the host country,” it added.
Looking to read the full article?
Gain unlimited access to Janes news and more...
