The United States has decided to prevent the United Nations from supporting the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia, starting from next year. This move is likely to end the operations of the nearly 12,000-strong mission, which plays a crucial role in propping up the fragile government in Mogadishu.

Impact on Somalia

The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) relies heavily on UN support for essential logistics such as food, water, fuel, medical services, and transportation of troops. The mission helps the government in Mogadishu push back against al Qaeda-linked al-Shabaab militants, who have previously brought the capital within striking distance and control large swaths of the countryside in southern and central Somalia.

The US government has grown increasingly frustrated with the administration in Mogadishu, which is plagued by political infighting and has failed to defeat the insurgents despite years of international support. In a diplomatic note, Washington informed the AU that it would not support the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) beyond the end of this year.

Consequences

The AU Commission has warned that the US decision carries significant implications for the logistical sustainment, operational posture, and financing of the mission. Somalia’s defence ministry and the US State Department have not immediately responded to requests for comment. The peacekeeping mission is in danger because it needs to be able to support and sustain these forces, according to Ahmed Koshin, a former director general in Somalia’s defence ministry and current member of the national parliament.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.