US gives UN more time to end support for African peacekeepers in Somalia
The United States has agreed to give the UN another year to wind down its support for African peacekeepers in Somalia, a document showed – a move that gives some breathing space to a force that was fearing quicker cuts, but still leaves its future in peril.
Reuters reported in July that Washington – increasingly frustrated with the fragile administration in Mogadishu – said it would block the UN from supporting the African Union force which props up the government and helps it fight al Qaeda-linked militants.
Analysts have warned that any weakening of the African Union peacekeepers would severely undermine the government there and could exacerbate the political turmoil in a combustible region bordering the Red Sea.
‘A REAL RISK OF STATE FRAGMENTATION’
The peacekeepers, known as the AU Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia, rely heavily on UN support for essential logistics such as food, water, fuel, medical services and transportation of troops.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, which has pulled back from many international commitments, had told the African Union in a diplomatic note in July that it would use its clout to prevent the UN supporting the peacekeepers from the start of next year.
In another diplomatic note seen by Reuters and shared with embassies last week, Washington said “the United States is willing to support a 12-month drawdown followed immediately by liquidation” of the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS).
Without that 12-month window, the funding could have stopped at the end of December, when the mandate of that UN office expires. Two diplomatic sources and a Somali government source said the new 12-month countdown would start in January.
A spokesperson for the US State Department told Reuters that Washington would no longer fund or support the UN office in Somalia, whose total budget is around $500 million.
“We would expect any drawdown processes and timelines to be discussed during UN Security Council deliberations in December,” the spokesperson said in a statement. Five diplomatic sources and the Somali government source, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the 12-month deadline.
Somalia’s defence ministry, UNSOS and the African Union Commission did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
FUNDING GAPS
The move will buy Somalia and its partners some more time to find other backers, but does not lift the threat over the peacekeeping force’s future.
“AUSSOM is a key pillar of Somalia’s state,” Afyare Elmi, professor at the City University of Mogadishu, said. “Without it, the country would face a real risk of state fragmentation and disintegration.”
Samira Gaid, a regional security analyst, told Reuters the shutdown of UNSOS could spell the end for AUSSOM.
“The AU either (needs) to find alternative logistics arrangements or to draw down and exit,” she said.
Financing for the AU mission has become increasingly precarious, leading to a huge funding shortfall.
Washington last year blocked a plan to shift to a financing model that would have seen UN funds cover three-quarters of the peacekeeping mission’s $190 million annual budget.
Somalia has been mired in chaos and internal conflict since the fall of autocratic ruler Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991. Islamists have strengthened their control of the countryside and two decades ago, seized the capital before being forced out by a joint Ethiopian and Somali government force.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Creatives & Coins Podcast
A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. This show explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who are successfully navigating the gig and creative economies. From digital artists and content creators to freelance writers and tech entrepreneurs, we spotlight the voices that are shaping the future of work in Kenya.
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Fixing The Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar. Podcast created by: Nation FM
Fixing the Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Lunch N Rants
Take a minute outside your schedule to have a good laugh and conversations that resonate with you. Welcome to Lunch N Rant podcast where we talk about anything and everything life.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.