S.Amdt. 3625

SA 3625 is an amendment proposed by Mr. Risch to bill S. 2296. Its purpose is to restrict how United States funds are used regarding the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and other African Union-led peace support missions in Somalia.

The amendment aims to add the following to the bill:

• Funding Restrictions: It prohibits the use of U.S. assessed contributions to the United Nations for activities related to Resolution 2719 in support of AUSSOM or other African Union-led missions in Somalia. It also directs the U.S. Ambassador to the UN to oppose any resolutions that would authorize this prohibited funding.

• Policy Goals: It establishes a U.S. policy to support Somali- and African partner-led efforts to defeat al-Shabaab and ISIS-Somalia, foster stability, and develop state institutions. It emphasizes fair burden sharing at the UN and requires compliance with human rights and accountability standards.

• Exceptions: The funding ban does not apply to voluntary U.S. contributions, funds specifically appropriated by Congress, humanitarian assistance delivered by independent UN agencies or NGOs, or the funding of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS).

• Accountability and Oversight:

  • The Secretary of State must conduct an independent annual assessment of the African Union's ability to meet the terms of Resolution 2719.
  • The Secretary of State must submit an annual report to congressional committees detailing U.S. contributions, the effectiveness of AUSSOM, and the status of alternative funding mechanisms.

• Legal Updates: It amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to include African Union peace support operations receiving UN assessed contributions under Resolution 2719.