While Somalia London Conference starts, the UN Security Council is likely to adopt at same time Resolution authorizing increase in number of African Union troops. “A draft resolution authorising an increase in the troop ceiling for the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), from 12,000 to 17,731 uniformed personnel (troops and police), was put in blue this morning with adoption set for tomorrow (22 February). The draft resolution also allows an expansion of the UN support package for the mission to include reimbursement of contingent-owned equipment, as recommended by the Secretary-General’s 31 January report on Somalia (S/2012/74). It also expands AMISOM’s presence to three sectors outside Mogadishu and supports implementation of some of the key elements of the new strategic concept for AMISOM adopted by the AU Peace and Security Council on 5 January.” From Security Council Report which we will link to full article at “What’s in Blue” at bottom: More Diplomacy & Military? Reading between the lines, it is clear that no one is expecting Somalia to be resolved rapidly or without further conflict. Does enhancing troop levels mean that the parallel track to diplomacy will be greater military action against Al-Shabaab and others not falling into line? “It seems that Council members who were cautious about increasing AMISOM’s maximum force strength to the AU’s requested amount sought to emphasise the role that regional organisers and other Somali stakeholders should play in contributing to peace and stability in Somalia. The importance of strengthening the capacity of regional and subregional organisations, and the need for other AU members to consider contributing troops to AMISOM, also seems to have been a key consideration….The draft resolution also spells out a set of objectives for the future review of AMISOM, including the consolidation of security “on the basis of clear military objectives integrated into a political strategy,” effective regional coordination, an effective approach to the protection of civilians and assistance to Somali security forces.” From Security Council Report cited below. Charcoal Factor-Burning Urgency: Another important new element in the text is a provision which bans the importing of charcoal from Somalia, as requested by Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government in its letter to the Council of 4 January (S/2012/4). (The letter stated that “charcoal production not only destroys the environment and contributes to food insecurity, but also funds the deadly campaign being carried out by Al-Shabaab.”) This allows the imposition of targeted sanctions against those violating the ban and also expands the mandate of the Monitoring Group on Somalia. Also Read Our Latest Article: “Is Somalia Closer to Peace” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/is-somalia-closer-to-peace-reintegration/46254 Link to SecurityCouncilReport.org whatsinblue.org/2012/02/somalia-troop-ceiling-increase.php By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey – Follow @MuhamedSacirbey Facebook = Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow us at DiplomaticallyX