Funding for African Union Somalia mission critical to security: UN political chief
New York, US (PANA) - The UN political affairs chief has underlined the critical need to ensure funding for the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), warning that a shortfall could threaten plans to transfer security to the national forces by the end of next year.
Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo was speaking on Wednesday at a meeting at UN Headquarters to draw attention to the widening financing gap at the year-old operation.
“Despite initial generous donor support, contributions have significantly declined, leaving the mission in a dire financial situation,” she said.
ATMIS builds on the work of a previous African Union (AU) mission, AMISOM, and has contributed to progress made in Somalia on the political, security and development fronts, amid ongoing threats from Al-Shabaab insurgents.
A UN statement said Ms. DiCarlo highlighted some of the mission’s work so far, which has included liberating population centres and providing an environment conducive for political processes to take place.
The mission has also made quantifiable progress in implementing the Somali Transition Plan, which calls for the handover of security to the Government.
At the same time, the Somali authorities have also logged recent advances in the fight against Al-Shabaab. Security forces have carried out successful operations in two states, Galmudug and Hirshabelle, recovering territory from the group.
Ms. DiCarlo warned that the lack of funding poses a significant risk to the security transition and could threaten hard-won gains.
“Our proposition is straightforward: It is urgent to ensure predictable, sustainable and multi-year funding for ATMIS and adequate resourcing for the Somali security transition,” she said.
“Our common objective - the full handover of security responsibilities to Somali security forces and institutions by the end of 2024 – depends on it,” she added.
-0- PANA MA 23March2023
