Somalia’s federal government is facing mounting international pressure to prepare a clear transition plan to take over national security responsibilities from the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), APA reported over the weekend.
According to information reaching APA over the weekend after a regional meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, the high pressure comes following funding challenges facing the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission (AUSSOM) in the horn African country.
APA learned that Somalia’s federal government is preparing a plan to take over national security responsibilities from AUSSOM amid concerns over the sustainability of international support for the AU mission.
The federal government is expected to unveil a detailed plan on the “transfer of national security responsibilities” from the 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, and dwelt on whether the national forces would take control of several military bases currently held by AU forces.
The move comes as Somalia has not been progressing well to assume responsibility for its own security, amid growing concerns over the continuity of international support for the AU mission.
Some Western diplomatic representatives have been warning 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.
MG/as/APA