African leaders meeting in Uganda on Friday called for an increase in peacekeeping forces in Somalia to counter the persistent threat posed by the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab militant group.
A statement released at the conclusion of the regional leaders’ summit in Kampala indicated that additional troops could potentially be contributed by Egypt.
Currently, over 10,000 African Union troops are stationed in Somalia, with Uganda providing nearly half of the contingent.
These AU forces operate under the authorization of the United Nations Security Council, with various iterations of the peacekeeping mission deployed since 2007.
The latest mission, the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, which commenced earlier this year, is grappling with funding challenges and disagreements among regional actors regarding troop deployment authorizations.
Somali authorities have expressed a preference for Egyptian troops within the mission but have reservations about the inclusion of Ethiopian forces.
Relations between Ethiopia and Egypt have been strained due to Ethiopia’s construction of a significant dam on the Blue Nile.
Al-Shabab militants have been engaged in a prolonged conflict for over 15 years, aiming to overthrow Somalia’s internationally recognized government.
Despite a recent government offensive and regular U.S. airstrikes, the extremists continue to conduct deadly attacks and bombings, particularly in Mogadishu.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud emphasized at the Kampala meeting that the government’s offensive against al-Shabab is at a “critical juncture,” appealing for sustained international support.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni urged Somalia to mobilize its own citizens to join the fight against al-Shabab, stating that the current limited size of both the Somali national army and the AU force has contributed to the ongoing insecurity.
