The African Union has decided to expand its peacekeeping presence in Somalia by adding 2,000 more troops to the 6,000 already present targeting the Islamic militant group al Shabaab. The group, affiliated with al Qaeda, claimed responsibility for bomb blasts in Uganda during the World Cup, killing 76 people. The group said the attacks were in retaliation of Ugandan troops helping the AU’s peacekeeping operations in Somalia, known as Amisom.
However, African troops are being met with criticism for indiscriminately shelling Somali civilians. As civilians travel to Mogadishu’s largest market, Bakara, to buy items like food, clothing, and fuel, al Shabaab members fire mortars toward Amisom troops. Returning fire has caused many civilians to be caught in the crossfire.
Amisom is mainly comprised of Ugandan and Burundi forces, but Guinea has pledged to support the peacekeeping mission with 2,000 of its own troops. The peacekeeping force is also gaining support within Somalia by groups like rival militant group Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama. The US and AU officials are discussing how troops may use technology to increase accuracy in AU counterattacks in addition to better intelligence to pre-emptive strikes. The US currently helps train AU troops, but said it will not offer additional funding.