The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Given the failed state of Somalia, AMISOM needs a mandate that goes beyond providing security
According to UNSC Resolution 2297 of 7 July 2016, AMISOM has been authorised, with 22 126 uniformed personnel, to take all necessary measures to reduce security threats posed by al-Shabaab, provide security to enable political processes, stabilisation, reconciliation and peacebuilding, and engage with communities in areas recovered from al-Shabaab, within its capabilities.
In this sense, it could be argued that AMISOM doesn’t have the proper mandate or capacity to support the establishment and enhancement of Somalia’s institutions, which are vital for state rebuilding. Recognising this gap, the AU has requested more support and recommended that the UN enhance the role of AMISOM’s substantive civilian component.
Given the failed state of Somalia, AMISOM should have been given a comprehensive mandate that goes beyond just providing security. It should include helping to build state institutions, strengthening rule of law and justice, supporting peacebuilding, facilitating reconciliation of conflicts among the divided clans and sub-clans, monitoring human rights, and coordinating humanitarian support.
The mission is heavily military-focused because its mandated task is just to provide security and fight al-Shabaab.
Other UN-led missions – such as those in Darfur and South Sudan – are often given more comprehensive mandates with more appropriate financial and logistical capacity. These missions also have a mandate to coordinate donors, development partners and humanitarian agencies in the host countries.
The London road maps want separate implementing bodies, and their link to AMISOM isn’t clear
The questions over AMISOM’s mandate also tie in to recent developments at the London Conference on Somalia earlier this month, where two important road maps were endorsed: a Security Pact (SP) and a New Partnership for Somalia (NPS). The former focuses on rebuilding Somalia-led security institutions, while the latter outlines how the international community and Somalia’s government will work together to meet the country’s most pressing needs.
These road maps will help move Somalia back from the abyss if they are well managed and implemented in a unified way. The SP acknowledges the interdependence of security, politics and development. This means comprehensive and coordinated efforts with a unified management and leadership are needed.
However, both road maps want to establish separate implementing bodies, and their relationship with AMISOM is not clear.
For the NPS, a high-level forum of international partners together with the Somali government’s Development and Reconstruction Facility are intended to provide overall direction and delivery. In the SP’s case, the aim is to establish an international security advisory team to work with Somalia’s national security council.
The road maps also talk about a conditions-based transition of security responsibilities from AMISOM to Somalia’s security institutions, but they don’t say how these conditions can be met. It would seem that the conditions are the defeat of al-Shabaab and other extremist groups, and the ability of Somalia’s security institutions to do the job. This means that working closely with AMISOM is key to implementing the road maps.
A strong single entity that brings together all stakeholders and partners is essential for implementing the London road maps. AMISOM is best placed to take on this role and help build peace and development in Somalia. It has vast experience and is essential to Somalia’s security. What it needs is a mandate from the UNSC to go beyond security and fighting al-Shabaab, along with reliable funding, just like other UN-led peace operations in Africa.
*** This article was first publish by ISS Today
***Meressa K Dessu, Researcher and Training Coordinator and Omar S Mahmood, Researcher, ISS Addis Ababa
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AMISOM’s usefulness in #Somalia can extend well beyond security. ISS Today https://t.co/1qxPW3Lz5E pic.twitter.com/mtlw9fAKhN
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MUSEVENI: #Somalia can heal completely and stand on its own feet. #FutureForSomalia https://t.co/NWFrxbX2pa pic.twitter.com/BQBBV0Xdun
— The Independent (@UGIndependent) May 12, 2017
