The future of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) remains uncertain as global powers trade blame over funding responsibilities. The United States has reiterated its stance that it will only contribute to the mission if Europe and African states commit to sharing the financial burden.
Speaking at the Africa Chiefs of Defense Conference 2025 in Nairobi, U.S. Africa Command’s General Michael Langley emphasized that Africa must take greater ownership of its security. “It is essential that all partners, including African states, take more responsibility,” he said, underscoring the need for sustainable regional stability.
Senator Jim Risch, chair of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, echoed this sentiment, asserting that while the U.S. hasn’t refused support, it expects fair contributions from other players. “Funding schemes like UNSCR 2719 allow others to dodge the bill and leave U.S. taxpayers footing the cost,” Risch said, referring to the UN Security Council resolution that enables up to 75% UN-assessed contributions to AU-led missions.
Risch also criticized the mismanagement within Somalia’s Danab Brigade, an elite American-trained unit, noting that U.S. support began to phase out in 2024 following allegations of corruption and theft. “Taxpayers shouldn’t fund corruption. The Danab is responsible for these failures,” he stated.
The impasse comes amid increased al-Shabaab attacks in Somalia and a drawdown of foreign troops. In April, regional leaders meeting in Uganda decried AUSSOM’s underfunding and called for full implementation of UNSCR 2719. Presidents William Ruto of Kenya and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia had also appealed for enhanced funding in 2023, stressing AUSSOM’s critical role in securing the region.
The situation has further escalated with U.S. Senators Risch, Ted Cruz, and Rick Scott introducing the AUSSOM Funding Restriction Act of 2025. The bill seeks to block U.S. funding under the current mechanism unless transparency and shared commitments are guaranteed.
As Somalia battles persistent insecurity, the standoff over AUSSOM funding poses a serious threat to the progress made in the fight against terrorism, risking a potential vacuum that al-Shabaab could exploit.
