Conference on Leadership and Governance: Insights from AMISOM Perspective
Explore the progress and challenges in stabilizing Somalia through the lens of AMISOM, shedding light on the security landscape, achievements, and ongoing threats. Delve into the complexities of peace operations in Africa and the critical role of local support for defeating Al-Shabaab.
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CONFERENCE ON LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE AMISOM PERSPECTIVE By BRIG AYUB G MATIIRI Chief of Staff (Mil) - AMISOM 29 SEPTEMBER 2017 1 5-Oct-24
INTRODUCTION Since the civil strife in 1991, numerous peace initiatives were made in attempts to stabilize Somalia but faced various challenges. With the advent AMISOM in 2007, the security landscape has changed significantly and the foundations for restoring peace in the country have progressively improved. AMISOM is one of the most complex peace operations ever undertaken in Africa. It is probably the most deadly PSO undertaken in the modern in recent times. AMISOM has made major sacrifices (life, equipment, financial etc) in its fight against Al-Shabaab and its attempts to stabilize Somalia. AMISOM cannot defeat Al -Shabaab without the support of the local population and an effective set of Somali National Security Forces. AMISOM continues to operate in an environment that lacks critical enablers/force multipliers and adequate logistics support. 5-Oct-24 2
SCOPE Security situation update Threats to security and Governance AMISOM strength, Achievements & Challenges Inter-operability, coordination between TCCs, Mil & Civ institutions, between EU, UN and AU/AMISOM in terms of logistics. Lessons learnt and identified for future operations Conclusion 3 5-Oct-24
AIM The aim of this presentation is to update the Conference on security situation in AMISOM AOR and to highlight on the main threats to Governance, AMISOM successes and challenges. 4 5-Oct-24
SECURITY SITUATION UPDATE The security situation in the AMISOM AOR is comparatively stable and continues to improve despite sustained AS attacks using VBIEDs, IEDs and mortar attacks making the environment potentially volatile and unpredictable. The IED threat along MSRs interlinking FoBs remains persistent; constraining AMISOM/SNSF freedom of Movement & sustainability. Large Enemy concentrations & movements remain visible in almost all Sectors heightening the risk of attacks and threat to the safety of MSRs. 5 5-Oct-24
SECURITY SITUATION UPDATE The Juba valley, Lower Shabelle, Lower Juba, Gedo region and parts of Hirshabelle remain the main hubs for recruitment, training, financial & logistics support. AS threat level is high in Banadir Region where militants have continued to sneak VBIEDs into Mogadishu city (environs) to disrupt public security. Although targeting of AS senior leadership has crippled AS command and coordination functions; the militants are still capable of massing & executing spectacular attacks. 6 5-Oct-24
AS CONCENTRATIONS & MOVEMENT AU AU AU AU AU AU AU AU AU AU AU AU AU AU AU AU AU AU AU AU AU AU AU AU AU AU AU AU AU AU AU AU AU AU AU AU-RESTRICTED
THREATS TO SECURITY AND GOVERNANCE Clan/political dynamics. Unresolved constitutional issues/review - threat to federal integrity. Persistent Humanitarian crisis (Drought/IDPs/Returnees) - undermines AMISOM/FGS Authority. Maritime security (Resurgence of Piracy & other crimes committed at sea). Existence of clan/personal militias undermines security. Lack of effective governance in most areas. Assassinations/murder especially in Mogadishu. ISIS entry into Somalia (Puntland). 5-Oct-24 8
ACHIEVEMENTS Political (Securing Peaceful elections & formation of FGS/FMS). Secure environment has made political leaders to agree on NSA/SP. Security (Degrading of AS & mentoring of SNSF). AMISOM has occupied most of the key towns in Somalia including, Mogadishu. According to Demographia, it is ranked among the fastest growing city in the world due to improving security situation and positive economic prospects. A total of 13 Embassies now operating in Mogadishu & 6 are scheduled to re-open. 5-Oct-24 9
ACHIEVEMENTS (Contd) Major ports/Small that were under AS (Operating with heavy traffic). Mogadishu and regional airports operating optimumlly (MIA) Night landing and take off. Construction industry Booming across the country. Education (University and other schools operating). Heavy commitments by foreign Governments in terms of Support and investments. High level visits (Heads of states and International Organisations) 5-Oct-24 10
CHALLENGES Over-stretched troops/Reduction of troops vis SNSF capacity. Insufficient counter IEDs capability. Lack of force multipliers and enablers (Cbt helis, ISR assets) to locate AS activities. Reduced logistics support (UNSOS Helicopters, Inadequate, U/S and aged-APCs and other mobility assets. Limited/Lack of reliable, credible and actionable intelligence. Lack of maritime assets to secure the coast line (transfer of weapons, ammunition, explosive material and foreign fighters). 5-Oct-24 11
CHALLENGES (Contd) Low population support-limited visibility in terms of interaction and limited QIPs to enhance info campaigns (Fear of AS). Delayed establishment of structures of governance by FGS and slow Early Recovery Efforts in liberated areas. Building capacity of SNA to enable joint ops, secure and to hold ground - integration. Lack of maintenance of MSR. External interests and poorly synchronized support by the international community. Unpredictable financial support to the mission after 2018. 5-Oct-24 12
RELATIONSHIPS Inter-operability (Different backgrounds, language, training, different type of equipment, doctrines etc) - Sectorization. Coordination between TCCs, Military & Civilian institutions lack coordination even among the civ agencies. Between EU, UN and AU/AMISOM in terms of logistics Lack of Force logistics. 5-Oct-24 13
LESSONS LEARNT Need for force generation strategy that identifies the force levels and resourcing the Mission with key enablers and force multipliers. International, national political engagement must be sustained to enhance the force legitimacy and credibility among ordinary people through support for governance institutions. Command and control by the Force Commander must be exercised effectively for control of the forces. In AMISOM for example, the operational command is retained by the TCCs CDFs while the force commander exercises only operational control. 5-Oct-24 14
LESSONS LEARNT Understanding of the local dynamics (Political, tribal/clan, other affiliations) is crucial as the force may lose credibility and local population support. Early recovery efforts and stabilization in recovered areas and the establishment of governance structures is crucial to sustainable peace efforts. Need to adopt a conditions-based exit strategy based on a clear set of criteria/for effective drawn-down and eventual exit. 5-Oct-24 15
CONCLUSION Despite existing challenges, AMISOM continues to play a significant role in combating AS and stabilizing Somalia, however, AS still occupies territories and this poses threat to peace and stability in Somalia and the region. AMISOM is now entering the transition phase which is a complex and vulnerable phase of counterinsurgency. It poses increased risk to AMISOM troops, Somalia security forces and the population, calling for enhanced support to achieve a smooth transition. AMISOM is now re-reconfiguring its forces in order to address the existing and emerging challenges for a smooth transition to SNSF. Its our hope that the much needed support to Somalia institutions will be available to continue stabilizing the country after AMISOM s exit. 5-Oct-24 16
That marks the END of the PRESENTATION 5-Oct-24 17
