Amid accountability concerns, UK grants new funding to UNSOS for Somali forces

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Amid accountability concerns, UK grants new funding to UNSOS for Somali forces

BY - MOHAMED HUSSEIN

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Somali forces contain clan militia and former members of the terror group. Allegations of wider sexual violence against women and girls persist with no accountability.

BY - MOHAMED HUSSEIN

NAIROBI (HORN OBSERVER) - The United Kingdom announced a contribution of £2.75 million to the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) Trust Fund, aimed at bolstering logistical support for Somali Security Forces.

However, concerns arise over the lack of accountability measures ensuring human rights protection and transparency in fund allocation.

"The Trust Fund, administered by UNSOS, supports SSF logistical priorities as set out by the Federal Government of Somalia. The new UK funding will aid in the provision and transport of essential resources such as food rations, communication equipment, and tents, as well as facilitating medical evacuations," stated a press release issued the British Embassy on Tuesday.

A significant portion of Somali forces comprises clan militias and individuals who defected from terrorist groups. Despite the existence of a rehabilitation program for nearly a decade, it was suspended last year following its failure.

Critics point to the presence of clan militias and former terrorist defectors exacerbate human rights violations including sexual violence, extrajudicial killings, and forced displacement of civilians.

Amnesty International has documented ongoing sexual violence against women and girls in Somalia, some of which are conflict-related. The UN has reported a surge in such incidents, including attacks on internally displaced women and girls.

Despite the substantial UK contribution, concerns linger regarding the inability to hold recipients of aid accountable for human rights abuses.

UNSOS maintains its focus on logistical support, deflecting responsibility for addressing human rights violations.

Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, Head of UNSOS, commended the UK's commitment to strengthening logistical support and capacity building for Somali forces. However, the lack of mechanisms for accountability remains a glaring issue.

Currently, UNSOS supports 14,900 Somali National Army (SNA) and 1,000 Somali Police Force (SPF) personnel in joint or coordinated operations with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

Moreover, rampant corruption in Somalia raises additional concerns, with millions of aid funds, including those administered by the UN, often ending up in private hands.

As funding pours in, the need for robust accountability mechanisms to ensure the protection of human rights and effective utilization of resources becomes increasingly urgent.