IGASOM
Encyclopedia
The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) is an active, regional peacekeeping mission operated by the African Union
with the approval of the United Nations
in Somalia
. AMISOM is mandated to support transitional governmental structures, implement a national security plan, train the Somali security forces, and to assist in creating a secure environment for the delivery of humanitarian aid
.
It was created by the African Union's Peace and Security Council
on 19 January 2007 with an initial six month mandate. On 21 February 2007 the United Nations Security Council
approved the mission's mandate. Subsequent six-monthly renewals of AMISOM's mandate by the African Union Peace and Security Council have also been authorised by the United Nations Security Council.
AMISOM's UN mandate was extended for a further six month in August 2008 by UNSCR 1831.
protection and training mission to Somalia
approved by the African Union
on September 14, 2006. IGASOM was also approved by the United Nations Security Council
on December 6, 2006.
IGASOM was originally proposed for immediate implementation in March 2005 to provide peacekeeping forces for the latest phase of the Somali Civil War.
At that time, the Islamic Courts Union (ICU) had not yet taken control of Mogadishu
, and most hopes for national unity lay with the Transitional Federal Government
(TFG) which had organized in Nairobi
, Kenya
in 2004 and were planning to established a provisional capital in Baidoa
, Bay
region, Somalia
.
By May 2006, the situation was radically different, as the ICU had recently been engaged by the Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism
or ARPCT and was fighting for control of Mogadishu in the Second Battle of Mogadishu
. By June, they had established control of the capital. Fighting began to spread to other parts of the nation as the ICU gained ground.
Plans for IGASOM continued, though by July there were indications of opposition from the ICU, who saw the initiative as a US-backed, Western means to curb the growth of their Islamic movement.
Until December 2006, the UN Security Council had imposed an arms embargo
on the group, but the embargo was partially lifted and a mandate for IGASOM issued on 6 December 2006 for six months.
On 21 February 2007, the United Nations Security Council
authorised the African Union to deploy a peacekeeping mission with a mandate of six months. In March 2007, Ugandan military officials arrived on the ground in Somalia. On 20 August 2007, the United Nations Security Council
extended the African Union's authorisation to continue deploying AMISOM for a further six months and requested the Secretary-General to explore the option of replacing AMISOM with a United Nations
Peacekeeping Operation to Somalia.
, Eritrea
, and Uganda
. Because of the objection of the burden falling on these three nations alone (and the rivalry between Ethiopia and Eritrea), the mission was expanded to include other Member States of the African Union .
AMISOM has a different composition. As proposed, it is to comprise an initial 3 battalions, growing to a total of 9 battalions of 850 troops each, which would serve for an initial stabilization period of 6 months. The mission was to be modelled after the African Union Mission in Burundi (AMIB).
as saying, "We will fight fiercely to the death any intervention force that arrives in Somalia." Yet at the time, the ICU was not the political or military force it was to become later.
Faced with the ascendancy of the ICU after taking over the capital in the Second Battle of Mogadishu
between May and June, 2006, UN-watchers were growing concerned with the level of hostility of the ICU towards the proposed IGASOM mission.
Though IGAD and the ICU met and published a cordial and formal communique committing the ICU to the IGAD plans on December 2, by the time United Nations Security Council Resolution 1725 was passed on December 6, the ICU was openly and militantly opposed to peacekeepers entering Somalia, and vowed to treat any peacekeepers as hostile forces. Because of regional divisions, there were also UIC resistance to allowing Ethiopian troops be part of the mission. Ethiopia, for its part, was leery of allowing Eritrean troops to be members of the IGAD peacekeeping force.
In the face of ICU threats, Uganda, the only IGAD members who had openly offered to send forces (a battalion), withdrew in the face of concerns of the present feasibility of the mission. In Uganda's defense, the crisis does not allow for peacekeepers when there are active hostilities conducted with heavy weapons (see Battle of Baidoa
).
On December 23, 2006, the fate and feasibility of IGASOM remained uncertain, though US Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice
met with Ugandan Foreign Minister Sam Kutesa
to obtain assurances and emphasize plans to deploy IGASOM early in 2007.
On January 1, 2007, after the defeat of the ICU in various battles in December 2006, Uganda again renewed its pledge of a battalion of troops. Between Uganda and Nigeria (which is a Member State of the African Union
, but not of IGAD), there was a pledge of a total of 8,000 peacekeepers. Malawi also pledged to send forces, while Ghana, Rwanda and Tanzania may do so.
(AU) outside the IGAD community were drawn on to provide support.
On January 17, 2007, the US ambassador to Kenya
, Michael Ranneberger
, said the US pledged $40 million to support the deployment of a peacekeeping force for Somalia. By January 20, the European Union
followed with a pledge of 15 million euros.
On January 19, 2007 the mission was formally defined and approved by the African Union
at the 69th meeting of the Peace and Security Council.
On January 22, 2007 Malawi
agreed to send a half-battalion to a battalion (ranging widely anywhere between approximately 400 to 1,200 troops) for a peacekeeping mission to Somalia.
On January 24, 2007 Nigeria
pledged a battalion
(a force between 770 and 1,100 troops) to join the Somali peacekeeping mission.
On February 1, 2007 Burundi
committed to the peacekeeping mission, pledging up to 1,000 troops. By March 27, it was confirmed that 1700 Burundian peacekeepers would be sent to Somalia.
On February 2, 2007, the United Nations Security Council
welcomed the advent of the African Union
and IGAD-led peacekeeping mission.
On February 5, 2007 Tanzania
offered to train Somali government troops, but not to deploy peacekeepers.
On February 9, 2007 a gathering of 800 Somali demonstrators in north Mogadishu
, where Islamist support was strongest, burned U.S., Ethiopian, and Ugandan flags in protest of the proposed peacekeeping mission. A masked representative of the resistance group, the Popular Resistance Movement in the Land of the Two Migrations, said Ethiopian troops would be attacked in their hotels; the same group had made a video warning peacekeepers to avoid coming to Somalia. By this date, Uganda
, Nigeria
, Ghana
, Malawi
and Burundi
had committed to the peacekeeping mission, but the total force was about half of the proposed 8,000-strong force. Uganda had pledged 1,400 troops and some armored vehicles for a mission lasting up to 9 months, and the AU had pledged $11.6 million.
On February 16, 2007 Uganda announced it would deploy 1,500 well-seasoned troops as early as Saturday, February 17, 2007 under the command of Major General
Levi Karuhanga
. The troops had been training for two years in preparation for the mission.
The Burundian troops were technically ready to go in early August 2007, but equipment promised by the United States and France had not yet arrived. On December 23, 2007, an advance force of 100 Burundians was deployed and another 100 soldiers arrived on 2007-12-24. By late 2008, 1,700 Burundian soldiers were deployed to Mogadishu.
on 22 July 2010, AU ministers agreed to expand the mission's mandate from a peacekeeping
focus to a peace-enforcement focus that would engage al-Shabaab more directly. The decision came soon after deadly bomb attacks in the Ugandan capital
. A few days later in response to UN pressure, the AU agreed not to expand the mandate but did allow preemptive strikes against Al-Shabaab and promised more troops from other African countries.
On July 23, 2010, Djibouti
and Guinea
pledged troops to AMISOM.
In March 2011 Burundi sent 1,000 extra soldiers to AMISOM, bringing the total number of Burundi troops deployed to 4,400.
UPDF
, Kenya
since 2008 due to the security situation in Mogadishu
, Somalia
.
Since the beginning of 2011 AMISOM and TFG has taken control over several strategic places in Mogadishu
after several offensives against Al-Shabaab.
With the expanded control over the capital AMISOM on 16th May 2011 moved the civil staff and police officers to Mogadishu
. This includes Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia
(SRCC) Ambassador Boubacar Gaoussou Diarra and deputy (SRCC) Honourable Wafula Wamunyinyi.
African Union
The African Union is a union consisting of 54 African states. The only all-African state not in the AU is Morocco. Established on 9 July 2002, the AU was formed as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity...
with the approval of the United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
in Somalia
Somalia
Somalia , officially the Somali Republic and formerly known as the Somali Democratic Republic under Socialist rule, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. Since the outbreak of the Somali Civil War in 1991 there has been no central government control over most of the country's territory...
. AMISOM is mandated to support transitional governmental structures, implement a national security plan, train the Somali security forces, and to assist in creating a secure environment for the delivery of humanitarian aid
Humanitarian aid
Humanitarian aid is material or logistical assistance provided for humanitarian purposes, typically in response to humanitarian crises including natural disaster and man-made disaster. The primary objective of humanitarian aid is to save lives, alleviate suffering, and maintain human dignity...
.
It was created by the African Union's Peace and Security Council
Peace and Security Council
The Peace and Security Council is the organ of the African Union in charge of enforcing union decisions. It is patterned somewhat after the United Nations Security Council....
on 19 January 2007 with an initial six month mandate. On 21 February 2007 the United Nations Security Council
United Nations Security Council
The United Nations Security Council is one of the principal organs of the United Nations and is charged with the maintenance of international peace and security. Its powers, outlined in the United Nations Charter, include the establishment of peacekeeping operations, the establishment of...
approved the mission's mandate. Subsequent six-monthly renewals of AMISOM's mandate by the African Union Peace and Security Council have also been authorised by the United Nations Security Council.
AMISOM's UN mandate was extended for a further six month in August 2008 by UNSCR 1831.
Origin of the mission
AMISOM replaced and subsumed the IGAD Peace Support Mission in Somalia or IGASOM, which was a proposed Intergovernmental Authority on DevelopmentIntergovernmental Authority on Development
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development is an eight-country regional development organization in East Africa. Its headquarters are located in Djibouti City....
protection and training mission to Somalia
Somalia
Somalia , officially the Somali Republic and formerly known as the Somali Democratic Republic under Socialist rule, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. Since the outbreak of the Somali Civil War in 1991 there has been no central government control over most of the country's territory...
approved by the African Union
African Union
The African Union is a union consisting of 54 African states. The only all-African state not in the AU is Morocco. Established on 9 July 2002, the AU was formed as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity...
on September 14, 2006. IGASOM was also approved by the United Nations Security Council
United Nations Security Council
The United Nations Security Council is one of the principal organs of the United Nations and is charged with the maintenance of international peace and security. Its powers, outlined in the United Nations Charter, include the establishment of peacekeeping operations, the establishment of...
on December 6, 2006.
IGASOM was originally proposed for immediate implementation in March 2005 to provide peacekeeping forces for the latest phase of the Somali Civil War.
At that time, the Islamic Courts Union (ICU) had not yet taken control of Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
, and most hopes for national unity lay with the Transitional Federal Government
Transitional Federal Government
The Transitional Federal Government is the current internationally recognized government of the Republic of Somalia. It was established as one of the Transitional Federal Institutions of government as defined in the Transitional Federal Charter adopted in November 2004 by the Transitional...
(TFG) which had organized in Nairobi
Nairobi
Nairobi is the capital and largest city of Kenya. The city and its surrounding area also forms the Nairobi County. The name "Nairobi" comes from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nyirobi, which translates to "the place of cool waters". However, it is popularly known as the "Green City in the Sun" and is...
, Kenya
Kenya
Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east...
in 2004 and were planning to established a provisional capital in Baidoa
Baidoa
Baidoa is a city in south-central Somalia, situated by road northwest of the capital Mogadishu. It is the capital of the Bay region, which is traditionally inhabited by the Digil and Mirifle clans....
, Bay
Bay, Somalia
Bay is an administrative region in southern Somalia.-Overview:It is bordered by the Somalian regions of Bakool, Lower Shabele, Middle Juba and Gedo....
region, Somalia
Somalia
Somalia , officially the Somali Republic and formerly known as the Somali Democratic Republic under Socialist rule, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. Since the outbreak of the Somali Civil War in 1991 there has been no central government control over most of the country's territory...
.
By May 2006, the situation was radically different, as the ICU had recently been engaged by the Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism
Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism
The Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism was a Somali alliance created by various warlords and businesspeople. The alliance included Botan Ise Alin, Mohammed Dheere, Mohamed Qanyare, Musa Sudi Yalahow, Nuur Daqle, Abdi Hasan Awale Qeybdiid, Omar Muhamoud Finnish and others...
or ARPCT and was fighting for control of Mogadishu in the Second Battle of Mogadishu
Second Battle of Mogadishu
The Second Battle of Mogadishu was a battle fought for control of Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia. The opposing forces were the Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism , and militia loyal to the Islamic Court Union . The conflict began in mid-February, 2006, when Somali...
. By June, they had established control of the capital. Fighting began to spread to other parts of the nation as the ICU gained ground.
Plans for IGASOM continued, though by July there were indications of opposition from the ICU, who saw the initiative as a US-backed, Western means to curb the growth of their Islamic movement.
Until December 2006, the UN Security Council had imposed an arms embargo
Arms embargo
An arms embargo is an embargo that applies to weaponry. It may also include "dual use" items. An arms embargo may serve one or more purposes:# to signal disapproval of behavior by a certain actor,# to maintain neutral standing in an ongoing conflict, or...
on the group, but the embargo was partially lifted and a mandate for IGASOM issued on 6 December 2006 for six months.
On 21 February 2007, the United Nations Security Council
United Nations Security Council
The United Nations Security Council is one of the principal organs of the United Nations and is charged with the maintenance of international peace and security. Its powers, outlined in the United Nations Charter, include the establishment of peacekeeping operations, the establishment of...
authorised the African Union to deploy a peacekeeping mission with a mandate of six months. In March 2007, Ugandan military officials arrived on the ground in Somalia. On 20 August 2007, the United Nations Security Council
United Nations Security Council
The United Nations Security Council is one of the principal organs of the United Nations and is charged with the maintenance of international peace and security. Its powers, outlined in the United Nations Charter, include the establishment of peacekeeping operations, the establishment of...
extended the African Union's authorisation to continue deploying AMISOM for a further six months and requested the Secretary-General to explore the option of replacing AMISOM with a United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
Peacekeeping Operation to Somalia.
Scope of the mission
IGASOM was expected to eventually reach 8,000 troops, with an expected cost of $335 million for the first year. According to UN Security Council Resolution 1725, states bordering Somalia would not be eligible to deploy troops under IGASOM. The remaining (non-bordering) IGAD member nations include SudanSudan
Sudan , officially the Republic of the Sudan , is a country in North Africa, sometimes considered part of the Middle East politically. It is bordered by Egypt to the north, the Red Sea to the northeast, Eritrea and Ethiopia to the east, South Sudan to the south, the Central African Republic to the...
, Eritrea
Eritrea
Eritrea , officially the State of Eritrea, is a country in the Horn of Africa. Eritrea derives it's name from the Greek word Erethria, meaning 'red land'. The capital is Asmara. It is bordered by Sudan in the west, Ethiopia in the south, and Djibouti in the southeast...
, and Uganda
Uganda
Uganda , officially the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country in East Africa. Uganda is also known as the "Pearl of Africa". It is bordered on the east by Kenya, on the north by South Sudan, on the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the southwest by Rwanda, and on the south by...
. Because of the objection of the burden falling on these three nations alone (and the rivalry between Ethiopia and Eritrea), the mission was expanded to include other Member States of the African Union .
AMISOM has a different composition. As proposed, it is to comprise an initial 3 battalions, growing to a total of 9 battalions of 850 troops each, which would serve for an initial stabilization period of 6 months. The mission was to be modelled after the African Union Mission in Burundi (AMIB).
ICU resistance
As early as March 25, 2005 Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys of the Union of Islamic Courts warned any peacekeepers would be unwelcome in the country. He was quoted by the BBCBBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
as saying, "We will fight fiercely to the death any intervention force that arrives in Somalia." Yet at the time, the ICU was not the political or military force it was to become later.
Faced with the ascendancy of the ICU after taking over the capital in the Second Battle of Mogadishu
Second Battle of Mogadishu
The Second Battle of Mogadishu was a battle fought for control of Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia. The opposing forces were the Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism , and militia loyal to the Islamic Court Union . The conflict began in mid-February, 2006, when Somali...
between May and June, 2006, UN-watchers were growing concerned with the level of hostility of the ICU towards the proposed IGASOM mission.
Though IGAD and the ICU met and published a cordial and formal communique committing the ICU to the IGAD plans on December 2, by the time United Nations Security Council Resolution 1725 was passed on December 6, the ICU was openly and militantly opposed to peacekeepers entering Somalia, and vowed to treat any peacekeepers as hostile forces. Because of regional divisions, there were also UIC resistance to allowing Ethiopian troops be part of the mission. Ethiopia, for its part, was leery of allowing Eritrean troops to be members of the IGAD peacekeeping force.
In the face of ICU threats, Uganda, the only IGAD members who had openly offered to send forces (a battalion), withdrew in the face of concerns of the present feasibility of the mission. In Uganda's defense, the crisis does not allow for peacekeepers when there are active hostilities conducted with heavy weapons (see Battle of Baidoa
Battle of Baidoa
The Battle of Baidoa began on December 20, 2006 when the Somali Transitional Federal Government's forces allied with Ethiopian forces stationed there attacked advancing Islamic Courts Union forces along with 500 alleged Eritrean troops and mujahideen arrayed against them.The battle began with...
).
On December 23, 2006, the fate and feasibility of IGASOM remained uncertain, though US Secretary of State
Secretary of State
Secretary of State or State Secretary is a commonly used title for a senior or mid-level post in governments around the world. The role varies between countries, and in some cases there are multiple Secretaries of State in the Government....
Condoleezza Rice
Condoleezza Rice
Condoleezza Rice is an American political scientist and diplomat. She served as the 66th United States Secretary of State, and was the second person to hold that office in the administration of President George W. Bush...
met with Ugandan Foreign Minister Sam Kutesa
Sam Kutesa
Sam Kahamba Kutesa is a Ugandan lawyer and politician. He is the current Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Ugandan Cabinet, a position he has held since 13 January 2005. He is also the elected Member of Parliament for "Mawogola County", Sembabule District...
to obtain assurances and emphasize plans to deploy IGASOM early in 2007.
On January 1, 2007, after the defeat of the ICU in various battles in December 2006, Uganda again renewed its pledge of a battalion of troops. Between Uganda and Nigeria (which is a Member State of the African Union
African Union
The African Union is a union consisting of 54 African states. The only all-African state not in the AU is Morocco. Established on 9 July 2002, the AU was formed as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity...
, but not of IGAD), there was a pledge of a total of 8,000 peacekeepers. Malawi also pledged to send forces, while Ghana, Rwanda and Tanzania may do so.
Gathering support
Following the defeat of the Islamic Courts Union in December 2006 – January 2007 the international community began to gather both fiscal commitments as well as military forces for the mission. Nations of the African UnionAfrican Union
The African Union is a union consisting of 54 African states. The only all-African state not in the AU is Morocco. Established on 9 July 2002, the AU was formed as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity...
(AU) outside the IGAD community were drawn on to provide support.
On January 17, 2007, the US ambassador to Kenya
Kenya
Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east...
, Michael Ranneberger
Michael Ranneberger
Michael E. Ranneberger is a former United States Ambassador to Kenya. He was confirmed by congress on June 29, 2006 and began field duties on August 11, 2006. He left his post in May, 2011. He was also responsible for U.S. relations with Somalia. Mr. Ranneberger served as the Senior Representative...
, said the US pledged $40 million to support the deployment of a peacekeeping force for Somalia. By January 20, the European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
followed with a pledge of 15 million euros.
On January 19, 2007 the mission was formally defined and approved by the African Union
African Union
The African Union is a union consisting of 54 African states. The only all-African state not in the AU is Morocco. Established on 9 July 2002, the AU was formed as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity...
at the 69th meeting of the Peace and Security Council.
On January 22, 2007 Malawi
Malawi
The Republic of Malawi is a landlocked country in southeast Africa that was formerly known as Nyasaland. It is bordered by Zambia to the northwest, Tanzania to the northeast, and Mozambique on the east, south and west. The country is separated from Tanzania and Mozambique by Lake Malawi. Its size...
agreed to send a half-battalion to a battalion (ranging widely anywhere between approximately 400 to 1,200 troops) for a peacekeeping mission to Somalia.
On January 24, 2007 Nigeria
Nigeria
Nigeria , officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a federal constitutional republic comprising 36 states and its Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The country is located in West Africa and shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in...
pledged a battalion
Battalion
A battalion is a military unit of around 300–1,200 soldiers usually consisting of between two and seven companies and typically commanded by either a Lieutenant Colonel or a Colonel...
(a force between 770 and 1,100 troops) to join the Somali peacekeeping mission.
On February 1, 2007 Burundi
Burundi
Burundi , officially the Republic of Burundi , is a landlocked country in the Great Lakes region of Eastern Africa bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. Its capital is Bujumbura...
committed to the peacekeeping mission, pledging up to 1,000 troops. By March 27, it was confirmed that 1700 Burundian peacekeepers would be sent to Somalia.
On February 2, 2007, the United Nations Security Council
United Nations Security Council
The United Nations Security Council is one of the principal organs of the United Nations and is charged with the maintenance of international peace and security. Its powers, outlined in the United Nations Charter, include the establishment of peacekeeping operations, the establishment of...
welcomed the advent of the African Union
African Union
The African Union is a union consisting of 54 African states. The only all-African state not in the AU is Morocco. Established on 9 July 2002, the AU was formed as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity...
and IGAD-led peacekeeping mission.
On February 5, 2007 Tanzania
Tanzania
The United Republic of Tanzania is a country in East Africa bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, and Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the south. The country's eastern borders lie on the Indian Ocean.Tanzania is a state...
offered to train Somali government troops, but not to deploy peacekeepers.
On February 9, 2007 a gathering of 800 Somali demonstrators in north Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
, where Islamist support was strongest, burned U.S., Ethiopian, and Ugandan flags in protest of the proposed peacekeeping mission. A masked representative of the resistance group, the Popular Resistance Movement in the Land of the Two Migrations, said Ethiopian troops would be attacked in their hotels; the same group had made a video warning peacekeepers to avoid coming to Somalia. By this date, Uganda
Uganda
Uganda , officially the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country in East Africa. Uganda is also known as the "Pearl of Africa". It is bordered on the east by Kenya, on the north by South Sudan, on the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the southwest by Rwanda, and on the south by...
, Nigeria
Nigeria
Nigeria , officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a federal constitutional republic comprising 36 states and its Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The country is located in West Africa and shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in...
, Ghana
Ghana
Ghana , officially the Republic of Ghana, is a country located in West Africa. It is bordered by Côte d'Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south...
, Malawi
Malawi
The Republic of Malawi is a landlocked country in southeast Africa that was formerly known as Nyasaland. It is bordered by Zambia to the northwest, Tanzania to the northeast, and Mozambique on the east, south and west. The country is separated from Tanzania and Mozambique by Lake Malawi. Its size...
and Burundi
Burundi
Burundi , officially the Republic of Burundi , is a landlocked country in the Great Lakes region of Eastern Africa bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. Its capital is Bujumbura...
had committed to the peacekeeping mission, but the total force was about half of the proposed 8,000-strong force. Uganda had pledged 1,400 troops and some armored vehicles for a mission lasting up to 9 months, and the AU had pledged $11.6 million.
On February 16, 2007 Uganda announced it would deploy 1,500 well-seasoned troops as early as Saturday, February 17, 2007 under the command of Major General
Major General
Major general or major-general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. A major general is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the ranks of brigadier and brigadier general...
Levi Karuhanga
Levi Karuhanga
Levi Karuhanga is a Ugandan general and the first commander of the African Union Mission to Somalia . -References:...
. The troops had been training for two years in preparation for the mission.
The Burundian troops were technically ready to go in early August 2007, but equipment promised by the United States and France had not yet arrived. On December 23, 2007, an advance force of 100 Burundians was deployed and another 100 soldiers arrived on 2007-12-24. By late 2008, 1,700 Burundian soldiers were deployed to Mogadishu.
Expanding role
In a closed door meeting in KampalaKampala
Kampala is the largest city and capital of Uganda. The city is divided into five boroughs that oversee local planning: Kampala Central Division, Kawempe Division, Makindye Division, Nakawa Division and Lubaga Division. The city is coterminous with Kampala District.-History: of Buganda, had chosen...
on 22 July 2010, AU ministers agreed to expand the mission's mandate from a peacekeeping
Peacekeeping
Peacekeeping is an activity that aims to create the conditions for lasting peace. It is distinguished from both peacebuilding and peacemaking....
focus to a peace-enforcement focus that would engage al-Shabaab more directly. The decision came soon after deadly bomb attacks in the Ugandan capital
July 2010 Kampala attacks
The July 2010 Kampala attacks were suicide bombings carried out against crowds watching a screening of 2010 FIFA World Cup Final match during the World Cup at two locations in Kampala, Uganda, on , 2010. The attacks left 74 dead and 70 injured...
. A few days later in response to UN pressure, the AU agreed not to expand the mandate but did allow preemptive strikes against Al-Shabaab and promised more troops from other African countries.
On July 23, 2010, Djibouti
Djibouti
Djibouti , officially the Republic of Djibouti , is a country in the Horn of Africa. It is bordered by Eritrea in the north, Ethiopia in the west and south, and Somalia in the southeast. The remainder of the border is formed by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden at the east...
and Guinea
Guinea
Guinea , officially the Republic of Guinea , is a country in West Africa. Formerly known as French Guinea , it is today sometimes called Guinea-Conakry to distinguish it from its neighbour Guinea-Bissau. Guinea is divided into eight administrative regions and subdivided into thirty-three prefectures...
pledged troops to AMISOM.
In March 2011 Burundi sent 1,000 extra soldiers to AMISOM, bringing the total number of Burundi troops deployed to 4,400.
Commanders
| No. | Name | Country | Took command | Left command | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | General General A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given.... Levi Karuhanga Levi Karuhanga Levi Karuhanga is a Ugandan general and the first commander of the African Union Mission to Somalia . -References:... |
 Uganda |
14 February 2007 | 3 March 2008 | |
| 2 | Major General Major General Major general or major-general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. A major general is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the ranks of brigadier and brigadier general... Francis Okello Francis Okello -AMISOM:Major General Francis Okello was the second commander of AMISOM from 3 March 2008 to the end of his tour of duty in 2009, after which he returned to the army headquarter in Bombo, Uganda.-References:... |
Uganda |
3 March 2008 | 7 July 2009 | |
| 3 | Major General Major General Major general or major-general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. A major general is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the ranks of brigadier and brigadier general... Nathan Mugisha Nathan Mugisha Nathan Mugisha is a Major General in Uganda People's Defence Force and was the third commander of AMISOM.Before taking the command of AMISOM he was commandant of the Jinja-based Senior Command and Staff College Kimaka.-AMISOM:... |
Uganda |
7 July 2009 | 15 June 2011 | |
| 4 | Major General Major General Major general or major-general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. A major general is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the ranks of brigadier and brigadier general... Fredrick Mugisha Fredrick Mugisha Fredrick Mugisha is a Major General in Uganda People's Defence Force and resumed command over AMISOM as the fourth commander on 15 June.Before replacing Major General Nathan Mugisha as commander of AMISOM he was with the Artillery Division in Masindi, Uganda. He was promoted from Brigadier to Major... |
Uganda |
15 June 2011 |
Deputy commanders
| No. | Name | Country | Took command | Left command | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Major General Major General Major general or major-general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. A major general is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the ranks of brigadier and brigadier general... Juvenal Niyoyunguruza Juvenal Niyoyunguruza -Niyoyunguruza's death:On 17 September, 2009 witness claims two trucks bearing United Nations markings entered the AMISOM compound at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu. Minutes later a twin suicide attack rocket the headquarter of AMISOM killing Juvenal Niyoyunguruza, the deputy... |
 Burundi |
2008 | 17 September 2009 | KIA Killed in action Killed in action is a casualty classification generally used by militaries to describe the deaths of their own forces at the hands of hostile forces. The United States Department of Defense, for example, says that those declared KIA need not have fired their weapons but have been killed due to... |
| 2 | Major General Major General Major general or major-general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. A major general is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the ranks of brigadier and brigadier general... Cyprien Hakiza Cyprien Hakiza Cyprien Hakiza is a Major General in the Army of Burundi.From September 2009 he have been the deputy commander of AMISOM replacing the late Major General Juvenal Niyoyunguruza.-References:... |
Burundi |
September 2009 | 03 may 2011 |
Spokespersons
| No. | Name | Country | Took command | Left command | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Captain Captain (OF-2) The army rank of captain is a commissioned officer rank historically corresponding to command of a company of soldiers. The rank is also used by some air forces and marine forces. Today a captain is typically either the commander or second-in-command of a company or artillery battery... Paddy Akunda |
Uganda |
March 2007 | 2008 | |
| 2 | Major Major Major is a rank of commissioned officer, with corresponding ranks existing in almost every military in the world.When used unhyphenated, in conjunction with no other indicator of rank, the term refers to the rank just senior to that of an Army captain and just below the rank of lieutenant colonel. ... Barigye Bohuko |
Uganda |
2008 | 3 May 2011 | |
| 3 | Lt. Colonel Paddy Akunda | Uganda |
3 May 2011 | Incumbent Incumbent The incumbent, in politics, is the existing holder of a political office. This term is usually used in reference to elections, in which races can often be defined as being between an incumbent and non-incumbent. For example, in the 2004 United States presidential election, George W... |
UPDFUganda People's Defence ForceThe Uganda Peoples Defence Force , previously the National Resistance Army, is the armed forces of Uganda. The International Institute for Strategic Studies estimates the UPDF has a total strength of 40–45,000, and consists of land forces and an Air Wing.The IISS Military Balance 2007 says there...
contingent commanders
| No. | Name | Country | Took command | Left command | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colonel Colonel Colonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures... Mikael Ondoga |
Uganda |
3 May 2011 | ||
| 2 | Colonel Colonel Colonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures... Paul Lokech |
Uganda |
3 May 2011 | Incumbent Incumbent The incumbent, in politics, is the existing holder of a political office. This term is usually used in reference to elections, in which races can often be defined as being between an incumbent and non-incumbent. For example, in the 2004 United States presidential election, George W... |
Civil staff
The civilian staff of AMISOM has been operating from NairobiNairobi
Nairobi is the capital and largest city of Kenya. The city and its surrounding area also forms the Nairobi County. The name "Nairobi" comes from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nyirobi, which translates to "the place of cool waters". However, it is popularly known as the "Green City in the Sun" and is...
, Kenya
Kenya
Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east...
since 2008 due to the security situation in Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
, Somalia
Somalia
Somalia , officially the Somali Republic and formerly known as the Somali Democratic Republic under Socialist rule, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. Since the outbreak of the Somali Civil War in 1991 there has been no central government control over most of the country's territory...
.
Since the beginning of 2011 AMISOM and TFG has taken control over several strategic places in Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
after several offensives against Al-Shabaab.
With the expanded control over the capital AMISOM on 16th May 2011 moved the civil staff and police officers to Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
. This includes Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia
Somalia
Somalia , officially the Somali Republic and formerly known as the Somali Democratic Republic under Socialist rule, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. Since the outbreak of the Somali Civil War in 1991 there has been no central government control over most of the country's territory...
(SRCC) Ambassador Boubacar Gaoussou Diarra and deputy (SRCC) Honourable Wafula Wamunyinyi.
Troops
| Country | Number of troops | Casualties | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uganda Uganda People's Defence Force The Uganda Peoples Defence Force , previously the National Resistance Army, is the armed forces of Uganda. The International Institute for Strategic Studies estimates the UPDF has a total strength of 40–45,000, and consists of land forces and an Air Wing.The IISS Military Balance 2007 says there... |
5,210 | 57+ killed | 81+ wounded, 17 deceased |
| Burundi Military of Burundi The Military of Burundi consists of the Army and the Gendarmerie. The naval and air units are incorporated within the Army.Army equipment includes BTR-40, Panhard AML, Shorland armoured car, and Walid armoured vehicles, ZPUair defence guns, and Heckler & Koch G3 and FN MAG small arms.- Small Arms... |
4,400 | 87+ killed | 41+ wounded, 50+ deceased, 1 captured |
| Kenya Military of Kenya The Kenya Defence Forces are the armed forces of the Republic of Kenya. The Kenya Army, Kenya Navy, and Kenya Air Force comprise the national Defence Forces. The current Kenya Defence Forces were established, and its composition laid out, in Article 241 of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya... |
10 | none | none |
| Ghana Military of Ghana The Ghana Armed Forces consists of the Army, Navy, and the Air Force. It is supervised by the Ministry of Defence . With around 7,000 personnel serving in the Ghanian military, Ghana has the lowest ratio of active troops per thousand citizens in the world, standing at 0.33. However, the Ghanaian... |
9 | none | none |
| Nigéria | 8 | none | none |
| Sierra Leone Military of Sierra Leone The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces is the armed forces of Sierra Leone, responsible for the territorial security of Sierra Leone's border and defending the national interests of Sierra Leone, within the framework of its international obligations... |
8 | none | none |
| Cameroun Military of Cameroon The Cameroonian Armed Forces generally has been an apolitical force where civilian control of the military predominates. Traditional dependence on the French defense capability, although reduced, continues to be the case as French military advisers remain closely involved in preparing the... , Mali Military of Mali Mali's armed forces are the Army, Air Force, Gendarmerie, Republican Guard, National Guard, and National Police . They number some 7,000 and are under the control of the Minister of Armed Forces and Veterans. The IISS Military Balance 2009 lists an Army of 7,350, Air Force of 400, and Navy of 50... , Sénégal Military of Senegal The Senegalese armed forces consist of about 19,000 well-trained and disciplined personnel in the army, air force, navy, and gendarmerie. The Senegalese military force receives most of its training, equipment, and support from France and the United States... , Zambie Zambian Defence Force The Zambian Defence Force consists of the army, the air force, and Zambian National Service . The ZNS, while operating under the Ministry of Defence, is responsible primarily for public works projects. The ZDF is designed primarily for internal defence in Zambia... |
4 | none | none |
| Total | 9,649 | 168 killed (14 unidentified) |
175+ wounded, 67+ deceased, 1 captured, 2 missing |
2007
- March 7, 2007 – Two Ugandan soldiers were wounded in an ambush in Mogadishu.
- March 31, 2007 – A mortar attack in Mogadishu killed one and wounded five Ugandan soldiers.
- May 16, 2007 – Four Ugandan soldiers were killed and five wounded by a roadside bomb when their convoy was attacked in Mogadishu.
- August 1, 2007 – Two Ugandan soldiers were wounded when their convoy was ambushed en route to a hotel where AMISOM Major General Levi Karuhanga was staying.
- October 23, 2007 – A mortar attack in Mogadishu wounded three Ugandan soldiers.
- October 24, 2007 – One Ugandan soldier was wounded in a grenade attack on the AU base at the Km4 intersection in Mogadishu.
2008
- April 8, 2008 – One Burundian soldier was killed and another wounded in a suicide car bomb attack on an AU base in Mogadishu.
- May 20, 2008 – Five Ugandan soldiers were wounded in fighting in Mogadishu.
- August 1, 2008 – A Ugandan soldier was killed by a roadside bomb in Mogadishu.
- September 14, 2008 – One Ugandan soldier was killed and two wounded when their convoy, inspecting for mines in Mogadishu, was ambushed.
- September 15, 2008 – One Ugandan soldier was killed by a roadside bomb in Mogadishu.
- October 14, 2008 – Two Burundian soldiers were wounded by a roadside bomb near Mogadishu airport.
- December 3, 2008 – One Burundian soldier was killed in an attack on a AU base in Mogadishu.
2009
- January 6, 2009 – One Ugandan soldier was killed and one wounded by a roadside bomb in Mogadishu.
- February 3, 2009 – One Ugandan soldier was wounded by a roadside bomb in Mogadishu.
- February 22, 2009 – 11 Burundian soldiers were killed and 15 wounded in a double suicide attack on their base2009 African Union base bombing in MogadishuTwo large-scale attacks against AMISOM soldiers carried out by al-Shabaab suicide bombers in Mogadishu, Somalia occurred in 2009. In total 32 people, including 28 AMISOM soldiers were killed and 55 people were injured by the two bombings....
in Mogadishu. - March 18, 2009 – One Ugandan soldier was killed and two wounded by a roadside bomb in Mogadishu.
- April 9, 2009 – One Burundian soldier died after a suicide attack the day before.
- May 6, 2009 – One Burundian soldier was killed in an ambush in Mogadishu.
- June 18, 2009 – One Ugandan soldier was killed and one was wounded by a roadside bomb in Mogadishu.
- July 12, 2009 – Three Ugandan soldiers were killed and one was wounded in a mortar attack on the presidential palace in Mogadishu.
- July 23 – One Ugandan soldier was killed in fighting at the Villa Somalia in Mogadishu.
- July 23–29, 2009 – An epidemic of LeptospirosisLeptospirosisLeptospirosis is caused by infection with bacteria of the genus Leptospira, and affects humans as well as other mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles.The...
hit the Burundian and Ugandan military camps in Mogadishu killing three Burundian and two Ugandan soldiers. Another 18 Burundian soldiers were placed in quarantine. About 50 Burundian and 17 Ugandan soldiers were evacuated for medical treatment to Nairobi, Kenya. - September 17, 2009 – 17 soldiers were killed and 29 wounded in a suicide attack by Islamist rebels on the headquarters of the African Union force in Mogadishu. At least four civilians were also killed and more than 10 wounded. 12 of those killed were Burundian soldiers and five were Ugandan. Among the dead was the AMISOM deputy commander Maj. Gen. Juvenal Niyonguruza, from Burundi. Also, one of the wounded was AMISOM commander Gen. Nathan Mugisha, from Uganda.
- November 15, 2009 – A spokesman for the Burundian forces stated that mortars landed inside the Amisom base, injuring two soldiers.
2010
- April 27 – A suicide car bomb detonated against a Amisom base injured two Ugandan soldiers. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility.
- May 20 – One Ugandan soldier was killed by a roadside bomb in Mogadishu.
- June 3 – Two Ugandan soldiers were killed and five were wounded in fighting in Mogadishu.
- July 4 – Two Ugandan soldiers were killed and three were wounded in fighting in Mogadishu.
- July 23 – Two Ugandan soldiers were killed when their base at the presidential palace was attacked in Mogadishu.
- August 4 – The Ugandan army confirmed that since the start of the mission 26 of their soldiers have been killed and 68 injured.
- August 30 – Four Ugandan soldiers were killed and eight wounded in a mortar attack conducted by the al-Shabab militia on the Somali presidential palace.
- September 9 – Two Ugandan soldiers were killed when suicide bombers attacked Mogadishu's airport.
- September 16 – Three Ugandan soldiers were wounded while re-taking a police station from insurgents in Mogadishu.
- September 24 – A Ugandan soldier was killed and two wounded in fighting in Mogadishu in the area of the parliament.
- October 25 – An attack against a base of AMISOM by Al-Shabab had killed one soldier and injured several among the Ugandan forces.
- October 30 – A bomb against the Jalle Siad military camp in Mogadishu killed 3 Burundian soldiers and injured four.
- November 1 – Al Shabaab attack a convoy of AMISOM, left at least seven people dead and three others wounded, including AMISOM forces.
- November 17 – Two soldiers were wounded in an ambush against their convoy in Mogadishu.
- December 2 – Five AMISOM soldiers were lightly wounded during a battle with the forces of Al-Shabab.
2011
- January 10 – A Burundian peacekeeper was killed in Mogadishu by al-Shabaab insurgents.
- February 23 – March 4 – 53 AU troops were killed in clashes with al-Shabab fighters during an offensive in Mogadishu. In addition, a Burundian soldier has been captured alive by militants. This is certainly the heaviest losses since the AMISOM deployment of its soldiers. 43 of those killed were confirmed as Burundian soldiers and 10 as Ugandans.
- March 5 – A Burundian soldier was injured by the controlled explosion of a car bomb of al-Shabab militants. AMISOM forces won back the rebel-controlled town of Bulo Hawo with the help of forces loyal to the Somali government.
- March 17 – Six AU soldiers were killed in heavy clashes between Somali government troops backed by AMISOM in Mogadishu and al-Shabab militants.
- May 12 - June 11 – 16 AU soldiers were killed (including 5 Ugandans) and 18 injured during the Bakaara market offensive in Mogadishu.
- July 29 – four Ugandan soldiers were killed and five others wounded in important clashes in Mogadishu. An AMISOM tank was also destroyed.
- August 1 – At least two AMISOM soldiers were killed and others wounded in a suicide attack in a forces base in Mogadishu.
- October 10 – One AMISOM soldier was killed and six injured in an operation in North East of Mogadishu. the former Pasta Factory and critical junction, Ex Control Bal’ad, are after that in Government hands.
- October 20 – 10 Burundians soldiers were killed, 18 wounded at the battle of Deynile, Mogadishu. One AU armoured vehicle has also been destroyed in the fighting.
- October 23 – Two AU soldiers were wounded when a suicide bomber has blown himself up near convoy of AU peacekeepers in Mogadishu.
- October 29 - Al-Shabab militants have attacked an AMISOM compound injuring 2 AU soldiers in the Somali capital Mogadishu.
See also
- United Nations Security CouncilUnited Nations Security CouncilThe United Nations Security Council is one of the principal organs of the United Nations and is charged with the maintenance of international peace and security. Its powers, outlined in the United Nations Charter, include the establishment of peacekeeping operations, the establishment of...
- African UnionAfrican UnionThe African Union is a union consisting of 54 African states. The only all-African state not in the AU is Morocco. Established on 9 July 2002, the AU was formed as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity...
- Intergovernmental Authority on DevelopmentIntergovernmental Authority on DevelopmentThe Intergovernmental Authority on Development is an eight-country regional development organization in East Africa. Its headquarters are located in Djibouti City....
- Islamic Courts Union
- Transitional Federal GovernmentTransitional Federal GovernmentThe Transitional Federal Government is the current internationally recognized government of the Republic of Somalia. It was established as one of the Transitional Federal Institutions of government as defined in the Transitional Federal Charter adopted in November 2004 by the Transitional...
- Somali Civil WarSomali Civil WarThe Somali Civil War is an ongoing civil war taking place in Somalia. The conflict, which began in 1991, has caused destabilisation throughout the country, with the current phase of the conflict seeing the Somali government losing substantial control of the state to rebel forces...
(diplomatic and humanitarian effortsDiplomatic and humanitarian efforts in the Somali Civil WarThe Somali Civil War began in 1988. It has gone through various phases over the past two decades.In 2006, open civil war broke out between the Islamic Courts Union and the Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism in March through June, and later, the Transitional Federal...
) - United Nations Support OfficeUNSOAThe United Nations Support Office for AMISOM is a field support operation led by the United Nations Department of Field Support ....
External links
- http://amisom-au.org/ AMISOM official website
- "AU peacekeepers mired in Somalia", BBC, September 24, 2008