Tuesday 13, May 2025 {HMC} The Trump-led administration has rejected an African Union appeal to fund its new Somalia peace mission, citing operational concerns and poor burden-sharing.

A senior AU delegation visited Washington recently in a final push to secure backing for AUSSOM, which is set to replace ATMIS (African Union Transition Mission in Somalia) in July.

ATMIS is an AU-authorized peacekeeping mission that replaced the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and aims to support the Somali Security Forces in combating al-Shabaab and securing the country.

On 2 May, US senators introduced the “AUSSOM Funding Restriction Act of 2025,” aiming to block US contributions to AUSSOM under resolution 2719.

The U.S. decision has dealt a major blow to international efforts aimed at stabilizing the country as it transitions from ATMIS to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission (AUSSOM).

Despite nearly two decades of military presence by the African Union in Somalia, the Islamist insurgent group Al-Shabaab remains deeply entrenched and increasingly emboldened.

While initial AU deployments helped reclaim key areas from militant control, recent offensives by Al-Shabaab have reversed many of those gains.

AU’s financial burden
ATMIS, the outgoing African Union mission, faces a severe financial crisis, with nearly $100 million in unpaid salaries and mounting debts, undermining peacekeeper morale and raising concerns about a potential security vacuum in Somalia.

According to a report by the Security Council Report, the US has expressed consistent opposition to the use of the 2719 framework for Somalia.

The framework was adopted in December 2023 and marks a significant development in the financing of African Union (AU)-led peace support operations (PSOs), allowing, for the first time, the use of UN-assessed contributions to fund such missions on a case-by-case basis

“The US has maintained that Somalia is not an appropriate context for the application of the 2719 framework and has opposed the hybrid implementation model, arguing that it does not reflect the spirit or intent of resolution 2719. The US has suggested exploring alternative financing options that extend beyond the traditional donor base.” the report noted

To address this, the UN and AU have agreed to cut $124.9 million from the AUSSOM budget by reducing peacekeeper pay, removing insurance costs, and cutting back on flights and equipment.

As a result, the revised AUSSOM budget is now $166.5 million, down from the projected $190.2 million.

They also hope to fund mine-clearing work through donations instead of the main budget. The UN says these cuts were tough decisions but necessary to keep the mission going without asking member countries to pay more.

Several Security Council members, including EU countries, have stressed the need for diversified funding and cost-sharing for Somalia’s peace mission, while China has urged traditional donors to maintain strong financial support.

In contrast, the US has consistently opposed using the 2719 framework for Somalia.

The ongoing crisis in Somalia has led to widespread suffering, with millions facing food insecurity and displacement due to conflict between Somali forces and Al-Shabaab. Political instability and clan divisions have further weakened the government’s authority.

While Somalia plans to hold direct elections in 2025, the crisis may disrupt the process. Displacement and Al-Shabaab’s control over regions could limit voting, while political tensions between federal states may undermine the elections’ credibility, affecting turnout and legitimacy.

SOURCE Business Insider Africa
Solomon Ekanem

Tuesday May 13, 2025 {HMC}  The Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, Hamse Abdi Barre, today held a special meeting with the Acting Special Representative of the African Union for Somalia, Kareem Adebayo.

The meeting between the two officials discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and the role of the African Union in security and stabilization issues in Somalia.

Prime Minister Hamse told the Acting Special Representative of the African Union that the Federal Government greatly values ​​the historic partnership with the African Union and its role in supporting the peace and stability process in the country.

Kareem Adebayo, for his part, thanked the Prime Minister of Somalia for the warm welcome, promising to work closely with the institutions of the Federal Government.

He also assured the Acting Special Representative of the African Union, Kareem Adebayo, that the African Union is committed to supporting and standing by the Federal Government of Somalia.

The official was recently appointed to this position after the expulsion of the former acting Ambassador, Amb Sivuyile Thandikhaya, who the federal government accused of supporting the Al-Shabaab group.

Tuesday May 13, 2025 {HMC} PRE-INCIDENT INFORMATION
Banaadir Region Climatology Overview

Banaadir region covers the same area as Mogadishu which is the capital city of Somalia. Precipitation in Banaadir region is marked by a distinct seasonal pattern, with the majority of rainfall occurring from March to May (the Gu’ season) and again in October to December (The Deyr season). The early months of the year, specifically January and
February, are characterized by extremely low rainfall, with mere 1mm and 2mm recorded respectively. As March approaches, precipitation begins to rise, culminating in a significant uptick during April, where 58mm falls over 12 days, followed by an even greater amount of 89mmspread across 23 days in May, indicating the onset of the main rainy season.

LTM Climatology for Banaadir region, Somalia.

The mid-year months of June and July (The Hagaa season) Banaadir region continues to receive substantial rainfall, with 49mm and 58mm recorded, respectively. The rain generally tapers off in August and September, dropping to 45mm and 32mm over 16 days and 11 days respectively. As the rainy season draws to a close, October brings
40mm of precipitation, followed by a notable increase in November with 70mm over 13 days. However, December sees a decline again, with only 13mm falling over 4 days. This pattern underscores the crucial role of seasonal rains in sustaining the region’s ecosystems and agricultural activities.

UNEXPECTED EXTREME HEAVY RAINFALL CAUSING DEVESTATING URBAN FLOOD
Underlying Factor of unexpected Flash Floods in Mogadishu City.

The On the 9 of May 2025, there was an unprecedented flash flood event in Banaadir region at large as record-breaking rainfall which continued 2 to 10 hours that was amounting between 95mm to 120mm which has triggered a devastating flash flood has occurred in Mogadishu as the epicenter of these devastating floods.

The mid-year months of June and July (The Hagaa season) Banaadir region continues to receive substantial rainfall, with 49mm and 58mm recorded, respectively. The rain generally tapers off in August and September, dropping to 45mm and 32mm over 16 days and 11 days respectively. As the rainy season draws to a close, October brings
40mm of precipitation, followed by a notable increase in November with 70mm over 13 days. However, December sees a decline again, with only 13mm falling over 4 days. This pattern underscores the crucial role of seasonal rains in sustaining the region’s ecosystems and agricultural activities.

UNEXPECTED EXTREME HEAVY RAINFALL CAUSING DEVESTATING URBAN FLOOD
Underlying Factor of unexpected Flash Floods in Mogadishu City.

The On the 9 of May 2025, there was an unprecedented flash flood event in Banaadir region at large as record-breaking rainfall which continued 2 to 10 hours that was amounting between 95mm to 120mm which has triggered a devastating flash flood has occurred in Mogadishu as the epicenter of these devastating floods.

SITUATION OVERVIEW.

The heavy rainfall with normal winds, nightlight and thunder has triggering widespread flash floods which swept forcefully across Highways and streets in city. The heavy downpour led into the city devastating consequences, including the displacement of residents, extensive damage to homes, Neighborhoods and IDPs Camp submerged in water, loss of lives, and public infrastructure Destroyed included crucial Highways.

The heavy Rainfall has left with Devastating Resulting to Community in Mogadishu city, many areas inaccessible and severely disrupted transportation and daily life. The flash floods strongly affected in the ancient districts where significant losses are reported.