Boosting of Amisom numbers right move

Thursday, November 14, 2013

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The United Nations Security Council decision to boost the African Mission force in Somalia, from 17,700 to 22,100 troops is welcome.

Amisom backs Somalia government troops to battle the militants bent on establishing an Islamist state in the horn of African country that would be hostile to its immediate neighbours — Kenya and Ethiopia.
Despite forcing Al-Shabaab fighters from the capital, Mogadishu, and the coastal town of Kismayu, the islamists have demonstrated their lethal ability to spread terror inside and outside Somalia.

The strengthened Amisom troops are expected to take the battle to the jihadists particularly along Somalia’s extensive coastline and rural areas.

The boost in troop numbers comes on the heels of Ethiopia’s warning last Thursday that Al-Shabaab is planning high profile attacks that would have the capacity to kill more people than the number that died at the Westgate Shopping Mall attack. Ethiopia’s recognition of the danger Al-Shabaab poses to national and regional security might explain Addis Ababas’ recent announcement tat it was considering putting its own separate army in Somalia under Amisom command.

A more robust armed joint force, armed with the necessary logistical support would mean that the battle between the forces of peace and security and those who thrive best in anarchy would be won by the former.
On top of the troop increase, the Security Council resolution also allowed deployment of a special guard force to protect the UN mission in Somalia which has been the target of several suicide bomb attacks. It is hoped Mogadishu authorities will also set up a similar force, armed adequately, to guard the president, prime minister, other senior government officials and public institutions as part of the confidence-building measures.
A measure of government stability and security would go a long way in attracting the necessary investments to spur the economy which is the only way the country will be developed.

The expected influx of refugees, mainly from Kenya but also from other countries demands nothing less.

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