AU extends peacekeeping mission in Somalia by a year

The African Union (AU) has extended the mandate of its AMISOM mission in Somalia to May 30, 2017.

The decision made public on Wednesday means the 22,000 strong peacekeeping force that was set up to combat Al-Shabab, will remain in the country for at least another 12 months.

The AU took the decision during the recent 595th meeting of its peace and security council.

The body however expressed regret at the decision by the European Union (EU) to cut back its allowance to AMISOM by 20 percent during what it says is a critical phase.

The continental body has thus called on the EU to reconsider its decision ahead of the upcoming elections in Somalia.

Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda have also been called upon to respect their pledges to deploy air assets for AMISOM operations.

AMISOM and the Somali National Army’s consolidation and expansion operations across Somalia have been lauded although it has been observed that al-Shabab still remains a threat to peace, security and stability.

AMISOM was created by the African Union’s Peace and Security Council in January 2007 with an initial six month mandate and has frequently had it mandate renewed by the UN Security Council.

Uganda accounts for a third of the military component with 6,223 troops followed by Burundi which has 5,432 soldiers in the peace keeping mission.

Kenyan military troops had moved into Somalia in 2011 and 4,652 rehatted to join Amisom last year. There are a further 960 troops from Djibouti.

The European Union (EU), which provides the resources needed for the payment of troop allowances for the mission, has set aside Sh7.9 billion (€ 70 million) to cover remuneration payments for the first five months of this year.