AU Holds Emergency Meeting After US Withdraws Funding for Somalia Peacekeeping Mission
News Updated: 04 July 2026 14:28 EAT
The African Union (AU) has convened an emergency meeting to discuss the future of its peacekeeping mission in Somalia after the United States announced it would end funding for the United Nations logistical support system that sustains the operation. The decision has sparked concerns over the mission's ability to continue supporting Somalia's fight against the militant group Al-Shabaab.
The US informed the AU that it would stop financing the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), which provides essential logistical support, including transport, medical services, fuel, food and equipment for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The funding cut is expected to take effect at the end of 2026.
Washington said the decision was driven by concerns over the lack of sufficient progress in Somalia's campaign against Al-Shabaab despite years of international support. It also cited delays in security sector reforms and continued political divisions within Somalia's leadership as reasons for ending its financial contribution.
AUSSOM began operations on January 1, 2025, replacing the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). The mission comprises about 12,000 troops from several African countries tasked with supporting the Somali National Army in combating Al-Shabaab and stabilising areas recovered from the insurgents.
The United Nations Support Office in Somalia is regarded as a critical component of the mission, providing the logistics required to keep peacekeepers operational. Without continued international funding, AU officials fear the mission could face serious operational challenges.
The AU's emergency consultations are aimed at identifying alternative funding options and assessing how the mission can continue if the US withdrawal proceeds as planned. Officials have warned that the loss of financial support could undermine security gains made in Somalia over recent years.
Somalia has been battling Al-Shabaab for nearly two decades. Although Somali government forces and AU troops made significant territorial gains during major offensives launched in 2022 and 2023, the militant group has continued to stage deadly attacks and has regained influence in parts of central and southern Somalia.
The funding dispute also comes at a time of heightened political tensions in Somalia, with disagreements over constitutional reforms and governance issues complicating efforts to unite political leaders behind the country's security agenda.
Security analysts warn that any reduction in support for AUSSOM could create an opportunity for Al-Shabaab to expand its operations, threatening both Somalia's stability and broader security across the Horn of Africa.
The AU is expected to continue consultations with international partners and troop-contributing countries in an effort to secure alternative financing and ensure the continuity of peacekeeping operations in Somalia.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD