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African Union Mission in Somalia Seeks to Expand Troop Levels Amidst Ongoing Conflict

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has been deployed in the country since 2007, with a mission to support transitional governmental structures, implement a national security plan, and provide a secure environment for delivering humanitarian aid. However, the rise of the militant Islamic group al-Shabaab has posed a significant challenge to pacification efforts. Despite the deployment of AMISOM troops, al-Shabaab continues to threaten the stability of Somalia, with the group's ability to deploy improvised explosive devices against AMISOM peacekeepers remaining a major concern.

Key Takeaways:

  • AMISOM's current troop deployment of 6,300 peacekeepers from Uganda and Burundi may not be sufficient to address the current security situation in Somalia, with al-Shabaab attracting more battle-hardened and better-equipped foreign fighters.
  • The African Union is considering expanding AMISOM's role from a peacekeeping focus to a peace-enforcement agenda, which would allow the mission to more directly engage al-Shabaab forces.
  • The AU decision to expand AMISOM's mandate follows the July 11 twin bombing attacks in Kampala, Uganda, which killed 76 people and injured dozens. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attacks.
  • Djibouti and Guinea have pledged to send troops to assist AMISOM's mission, which may soon be receiving reinforcements.
  • The AMISOM spokesman, Maj. Ba-Hoku Barigye, emphasized that the mission's mandate is to maintain peace and create an environment for national discussion and political settlement, rather than directly confronting al-Shabaab.

Statistics:

  • 6,300: The current number of AMISOM peacekeepers on the ground in Somalia.
  • 8,000: The proposed troop level by the African Union, which AMISOM is pressing for to replenish its current complement.
  • 76: The number of people killed in the July 11 twin bombing attacks in Kampala, Uganda.
  • 9: The number of infantry battalions that the African Union had proposed for AMISOM's troop deployment three years ago.
  • 4: The number of men arrested by Ugandan security forces for their complicity in the July 11 attacks.

Sources:

  • UPI, "African Union plans to expand Somali peacekeeping mission", August 23.
  • The East African, " AU considers expanding AMISOM's mandate after bombings", August 19.
  • Al Jazeera, "Al-Shabaab claims responsibility for Kampala bombings", July 11.
  • UNHCR, "African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM)" (no date).

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