This archive report was first published on 25 August 2019.
On August 25, 2019, The EastAfrican reported on the complexities of the post-Amisom era in Somalia, highlighting the need for the African Union to prioritize the management of the vacuum left by the departing troops.
When Ethiopia first entered Mogadishu in 2006 to rout the Islamic Courts Union, the forerunner of Al-Shabaab, its motivation was to prevent the spread of extremist ideology. However, the brief occupation triggered a regional race, with Eritrea and Kenya soon joining the fray.
Today, as Amisom prepares to leave, Kenya and Ethiopia are backing competing interests, attempting to influence the outcome of Somalia's regional elections. Meanwhile, Western and Eastern powers are taking advantage of the respite won by the sacrifices of the troop-contributing countries.
It is imperative that Kenya and Ethiopia put aside their differences and work together to prevent Al-Shabaab from retaking the liberated territories. The African Union and the international community must also prioritize the development of a rapid response mechanism to support the Somalia National Army.
