The African Union and the European Union have warned that financial and operational problems at the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) could undo security gains in the country. They issued a joint communiqué after their 17th annual consultative meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, AllAfrica reported, citing Shabelle. The two bodies said the mission needs predictable, adequate and sustainable financing.
They voiced serious concern about the mission's financial and operational difficulties. Failure to fix them could disrupt operations against Al-Shabaab militants and put progress at risk, they warned. They urged the international community to provide enough steady funding to keep AU-led peace support operations in Somalia running.
The AU and EU named several possible sources of money. These include United Nations Security Council Resolution 2719, the African Union Peace Fund and contributions from international partners. They also called for a Somali-led assessment of an expected cut in logistical support from the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS). The assessment would examine how that cut could affect security operations.
Funding uncertainty is also growing on another front. The United States has raised concerns about its financial support for AUSSOM with the Somali government through Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi. According to information passed to Mogadishu, Washington's contribution to the mission is due to end in December this year.
The two organisations praised the Somali Federal Government and AUSSOM forces for progress against Al-Shabaab. They also thanked countries contributing troops and police to the mission. They welcomed additional security help provided through bilateral agreements. Both reaffirmed their support for Somalia's sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence.
The warning comes as Somalia gradually takes on more responsibility for its own security. International support remains crucial to the operations, AllAfrica reported. Somalia is building its own forces so they can eventually take full charge of national security.
AUSSOM replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in January 2025. ATMIS had followed the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). AUSSOM's mandate is to support Somali security forces against Al-Shabaab and strengthen the government's ability to keep the country secure.