USA Opposes UN Plans for Funding AU Mission to Somalia

Mogadishu – Sudanhorizon – Agencies

The United States’ rejection of the UN proposal to fund the new African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has spurred serious concerns about the future of the hybrid UN mission, known as AUSSOM, which has been active in Somalia since January and aims to stabilize and support Somalia and counter the activities of Somalia’s al-Shabaab.

The announcement of this position comes ahead of the UN Security Council’s May 15 vote on a new joint financing mechanism defined under Resolution 2719. While the United States was previously silent on the proposal, it has now made clear its opposition.

A State Department spokesman said Somalia was not a suitable testing ground for the proposed hybrid funding model for African Union forces, which have maintained a presence in the country since 2007.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that the ongoing fiscal deficit could undermine AMISOM operations.

It is to be recalled that the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, has urged the international community to support the funding plan and stressed in a report to the Security Council on April 10 that sustained and systematic financial support is critical to achieving peace and stability in Somalia.

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