The future of the African Union’s mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) remains uncertain after high-level talks at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) failed to resolve a $180 million funding gap for 2025.
AU Commission chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said Somalia continues to face fragility, with al-Shabaab militants posing a severe threat to peace and stability. He warned that despite the AU doubling its contribution to the Peace Fund raising Africa’s commitment to $20 million funding shortfalls could undo years of progress.
“Without urgent, predictable and sustainable financing, hard-won achievements risk being undone,” Youssouf said, calling on the UN, EU, and other partners to match Africa’s determination.
Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi echoed the urgency. With about 3,000 Kenyan troops serving under AUSSOM, he urged the international community to advance implementation of UN Resolution 2719, which allows hybrid financing for AU-led peace operations through UN-assessed contributions.
“Financial uncertainty undermines mission readiness, emboldens extremist groups, and threatens to reverse the hard-won gains achieved through years of sacrifice and solidarity,” Mudavadi stressed.
While several Security Council members back the resolution’s application to Somalia, the US remains opposed, citing concerns over burden-sharing. This deadlock continues to slow progress on securing sustainable financing.
Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud emphasized that AUSSOM’s success is critical not only for Somalia’s future but also for regional and global security.
Some pledges were announced during the meeting, with the UK committing £16.5 million ($22 million) towards AUSSOM’s 2025 operations. Italy, Japan, Korea, and Spain also made or promised new contributions, while the EU pledged to unveil military support soon.
However, these commitments fall short of the $180 million required, leaving AUSSOM’s mandate which expires in December under serious threat.
As discussions continue, African leaders warn that without urgent compromise, Somalia risks slipping back into instability, jeopardizing regional peace and security.
