Somalia prepares security transition plan amid pressure over AU mission funding

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s federal government is preparing to announce a plan to take over national security responsibilities as international pressure grows over funding challenges facing the African Union peacekeeping mission and concerns raised during recent regional meetings in Addis Ababa, sources said.

The initiative, reportedly being prepared ahead of a planned meeting in Kampala, has been described by officials as a plan for the “transfer of national security responsibilities” from the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) to Somali forces.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has in recent days held meetings with senior security officials, including commanders of the Somali National Army, to discuss preparations for taking control of several military bases currently occupied by AU forces, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

The move comes as Somalia faces growing pressure to demonstrate progress in assuming responsibility for its own security, amid concerns over the sustainability of international support for the AU mission.

Some Western diplomatic representatives have reportedly warned the African Union and the European Union that their financial support may not continue, and that they could consider using their veto powers during upcoming discussions at the United Nations Security Council.

The AU mission, which has supported Somali forces in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants for years, has faced repeated funding challenges as international partners debate the future of security assistance in Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE