Tensions may hamper new Somali peacekeeping mission

Significance

However, unresolved questions over funding, composition and mission planning look set to hamper its effectiveness, particularly over the mission’s first six months. AUSSOM is in effect operating in name only, as a concrete transition from the outgoing African Union (AU) mission has yet to take place.

Impacts

• Ongoing uncertainties over the mission’s composition may complicate AU efforts to secure donor funding to cover remaining costs.
• Puntland’s recent successes against Islamic State without federal support will underscore the importance of regional security forces.
• Mogadishu will accept Kenya’s demands to keep its own troops along its own border, as it has remained neutral in domestic affairs lately.