Guarded Optimism on AMISOM
The Heads of State and Government of the Troop and Police Contributing Countries (T/PCCs) to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) met in Djibouti on 28 February 2016, to discuss the political and security situation in Somalia, a day after the ministerial preparatory meeting. The Summit was chaired by Ismail Omar Guelleh, President of the Republic of Djibouti.
The Summit made some pronouncements
based on the commitments by the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) towards an
inclusive electoral process within the constitutional mandated timeline of
2016. Sometimes I wonder whether such elections are really necessary. It is the
pure liberal peace approach to peace which has terribly failed in Iraq and
other parts of the world and closer home in Libya. I always have reason to
maintain reservations on the democratic liberal theories in post-conflict
reconstruction. The fact that Somalia cannot per se be categorized a
post-conflict situation makes matters even worse.
Nevertheless the leaders strongly
condemned the recent attacks perpetuated by Al Shaabab in Mogadishu, Leggo,
Janaale, and El Adde and, the continued asymmetrical warfare by this terrorist
group. I have no idea why this was necessary. After all each in their turns
have continuously condemned such attacks. Others had the audacity to call them
cowardly. I am sure many are not. For instance overrunning a military base as
Al Shabaab did in a recent attack at El Adde through which “unknown” number of
Kenyan troops was killed should never be termed cowardly since indeed it wasn’t
cowardly. Anyway the leaders condemned the attacks. Does that make any
difference for Al Shabaab? I doubt. My guess is that they are immune to
condemnations; in fact they enjoy them. Condemning therefore leaves us exactly
where we started.
The summit welcomed the efforts
made by the AU Commission and other stakeholders in the re-vitalisation of
AMISOM operations. Well a broke AU largely only makes resolutions which are
never followed by concrete actions anyway. Instead it, like a baby, begins
crying for support. For instance now that the EU has made a decision to cut its
aid to AMISOM, we can be sure AU may end up doing nothing about its resolutions
on AMISOM. After we people’s of Africa often want to pose as paupers who have nothing
to offer in terms of money. The more reason we are often asked to put the boot
on the ground while others only wire money and send equipments. If there is an
attack an American armored vehicle will be destroyed and as usual an “unknown”
number of poor African soldiers will die. I thought it is time Africa also said
it is giving material and not human contribution. Sounds good?
The Summit apparently also
stressed the need for effective AMISOM command and control in order to achieve
synergy of the mission’s efforts against Al Shaabab. Let such a statement not
shock anyone for what often appears obvious is never so to our leaders, after
all common sense is never that very common. Many years after AMISOM was
deployed, it is now that the troop contributing countries seem to realize that
there is need to synchronize the control and command and to synergise the
operations. So in that light the Summit was gracious enough to emphasize the
need for better coordination of operations and logistics through the establishment
of enhanced mechanisms and structures, as appropriate, between AMISOM, SNSF and
UNSOS. Also the Summit directed that there be full and urgent deployment in all
AMISOM sectors of operations especially in the Gedo region in order to enhance
the efficiency of AMISOM operations and consolidate security gains across
Somalia. They further directed the AU Commission with other relevant
stakeholders to undertake a comprehensive review of AMISOM mandate and CONOPs.
Let us not forget that the AU heads of state summit was just concluded recently
and actually it came up with a resolution on AMISOM but again now the Djibouti
declaration wants to task the AU Commission to carry out a review. Why was it
not wise for the troop contributing countries to meet a head of the AU Summit
so that they already recommend for these measures be undertaken by the AU
Commission and reported to the just concluded heads of state Summit?
A part from the expected
condemnation of the EU for its plan to cut financial support to AMISOM, the
Summit went on to emphasize the need to undertake a review of immediate
requirements for AMISOM and SNSF operational effectiveness with a view to
implementing remedial actions aimed at improving offensive operations against
Al Shaabab and directs UNSOS to provide the identified support requirements as
agreed with AMISOM and SNSF leadership.
The Summit further underscored
the critical importance of enhanced support to AMISOM and specifically
re-iterates the need for the generation and deployment of operational enablers
and force multipliers. The UN should fasten the processes of authorization. It
is nothing else other than signing deals to get money.
Other things included
encouragement of other international partners to contribute and deploy air
assets in order to facilitate AMISOM operations; to enhance coordination
especially in information sharing and communications; support to the SNSF
through timely, enhanced and better coordinated training and, through the
provision of appropriate infrastructure, equipment and ammunition; effective
implementation of the Gulwaade plan; effective implementation of stabilisation
efforts in liberated areas through improved local governance by the FGS with
the support of the international community; establishment of social
infrastructure; concerted efforts by AU Commission and the international
community to identify and disable channels utilised to finance Al Shabaab and
other terrorist groups and the recruitment and training of foreign fighters in
Somalia.
The Summit also encouraged IGAD
to continue its efforts in support of the AU to stabilise Somalia; expressed
appreciation to the AU Commission as well as to international partners and
organisations that are currently providing financial, material and technical
assistance to AMISOM and Somalia. Before departing those in attendance also
appreciated the Government of Djibouti for hosting the meeting, for the
hospitality accorded and all the arrangements made for the smooth conduct of
the meeting.
After this our dear leaders returned to their respective
countries very tired and extremely excited for the achievements and progress
made in securing Somalia. I do not want to gaze into the budget that was spent
and the funders of the budget for fear of scandals. This is Africa, we love our
continent and we are indeed working hard through the very able support of our
leaders to achieve regional peace and stability but then this way and at this
pace how long shall it take our continent to taste mere negative peace (absence
of violence) in the region? While I do not want to be accused of pessimism, I
choose to guard my optimism.
Guarded Optimism on AMISOM
Reviewed by Ibrahim Magara
on
March 01, 2016
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