National Defense Authorization Requires Administration Strategy on Somalia
Press Release
Bill being considered by Senate includes legislation drafted by Senator Coons
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) approved by the House and being considered by the Senate this week includes language from legislation written by U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, requiring the administration to present a strategy for stability in Somalia.
The Somalia Stabilization Act, which was introduced in October, aims to promote security, stability, and good governance in Somalia by requiring a coordinated, interagency U.S. government strategy for consolidating recent security and political gains there. The legislation was filed as an amendment to the NDAA in November and subsequently included in an updated version of the underlying bill written by the chairs of the House and Senate Armed Services committees. The bill was approved by the House of Representatives last week.
"Following the U.S. withdrawal from Somalia, and after 20 years of lawlessness, recent developments have finally given us reason for hope," Chairman Coons said. "While African Union-led forces have deprived al-Shabaab of territory and revenue, and created much-needed space to begin building functioning state structures, significant challenges remain. The Somali people are increasingly frustrated with the government's failure to provide basic services -- such as education and health care -- and the humanitarian situation remains severe. I am concerned that despite significant financial investment, the United States' strategy has not kept pace with changing realities on the ground and would benefit from clearer benchmarks for measuring progress, as well as a timeline for implementation."
Since 2006, the U.S. has provided nearly $700 million to the African Union Mission in Somalia and the Somali National Army to support their efforts to combat al Qaeda affiliate al-Shabaab. The U.S. has also spent nearly $140 million in the past two years to support stabilization, democracy, and economic growth.
Chairman Coons convened a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs on the security and governance situation in Somalia on October 8.
The legislative text, beginning on page 574, can be downloaded here: http://1.usa.gov/1kVKNHY
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