Uganda Calls for Increased Funding and Support for Somalia’s Stability Transition
Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Gen Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, urged the immediate implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2719 to fully finance the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) starting January 1, 2025.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gen Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, has stressed the need for the immediate and full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2719 to finance the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) starting January 1, 2025.
The minister, who was addressing a Virtual Ministerial Meeting of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union on Thursday December 19, urged the AU Commission and the UN to create a roadmap for resource mobilization to address the 25% funding gap for AUSSOM, including organizing a pledging conference.
During the meeting, which focused on Somalia and post-ATMIS security arrangements, Gen Odongo called on the AU Commission to present the AUSSOM budget for review, determining how much could be allocated from the Peace Fund as per the 1236th PSC meeting. He also called for urgent efforts by the AU, UN, and international partners to mobilize the required $120 million to close the ATMIS funding deficit before the December 31, 2024 deadline.
The minister’s address underscored Uganda’s dedication to ensuring stability in Somalia and the successful transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM.
Gen Odongo commended Somalia for holding three successive elections and establishing credible governance and leadership. He highlighted the nation’s imminent inclusion in the UN Security Council and applauded the Troop and Police Contributing Countries, as well as international partners, for their support to Somalia and the AMISOM/ATMIS mission over the years.
He expressed concern over recent tensions in Ras Kamboni and urged de-escalation, calling on the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and Jubaland to engage in dialogue to resolve their differences.
Gen Odongo welcomed the outcomes of the December 4, 2024, meeting of Chiefs of Defence Forces (CDFs) from Troop Contributing Countries held in Mogadishu. He reaffirmed Uganda’s readiness to support Somalia upon its request, emphasizing a commitment to Pan-Africanism, solidarity, and brotherhood.
