By Stephen Simon
The United States has agreed to give the United Nations another year to phase out its support for African Union peacekeepers in Somalia, providing temporary relief for a mission facing uncertainty over its future.
According to diplomatic documents seen by Reuters, Washington will now support a 12-month drawdown of the UN Support Office in Somalia, rather than ending the arrangement at the end of this year.
The UN office provides essential logistical support to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia, including food, water, fuel, medical services and transportation for troops fighting al-Qaeda-linked militants.
The US had previously indicated that it would oppose continued UN support for the mission, citing concerns about Somalia’s fragile political situation and Washington’s broader effort to reduce some international commitments.
Under the revised arrangement, the 12-month countdown is expected to begin in January, after which the UN support office would be wound down.
Diplomats and analysts have warned that a rapid withdrawal of international support could weaken African Union forces and create additional security challenges for Somalia, where militant group al-Shabaab remains a major threat.
The United States has said it will no longer fund or support the UN office after the transition period. The office has an annual budget of about $500 million, according to Reuters.
The development comes at a critical time for Somalia, as its government continues efforts to strengthen its security forces and assume greater responsibility for the fight against militant groups.
The additional year therefore gives African and international partners more time to prepare for a transition, although questions remain over how Somalia and the African Union will finance and sustain security operations after the UN support ends.
