Somalia, Djibouti Leaders Urge UN Funding for New AU Force Ahead of January Take-Over

GOOBJOOG NEWS|DJIBOUTI: Somalia and Djibouti Presidents have called for sustainable and predictable funding for the new African Union security outfit which is set to commence operations in Somalia in January.

The two leaders- Presidents Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Omar Guelleh said in a joint statement following a meeting in Djibouti that it was ‘crucial to explore all funding options, including UN resolution 2719.

The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) will be starting operations in Somalia in January 2025 replacing the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) whose two-year transition period lapses by the end of this year.

Resolution 2719 of the UN Security Council allows the African Union Peace and Security Council to access United Nations-assessed contributions on a case-by-case basis. This is aimed at ensuring African Union security operations are guaranteed sustainable and predictable funding even in the event of funds cuts from donors.

The ATMIS and its predecessor AMISOM serially suffered unpredictable funding especially when the EU, a major funder announced major cuts in 2018.

In Djibouti today, the two Horn of Africa leaders also ‘noted the importance of supporting adequate implementation of the Somali Security Development Plan and strengthening the capacities of the Somalia Security Forces (SSF).

They further called on the international community to support building these capacities to ensure a smooth transition at the end of the AUSSOM mission.

President Mohamud also ‘praised the role of the Djibouti National Defense Forces, the Somali National Armed Forces, and the contribution countries of African Union troops in the fight against terrorism.’