African Union Urges $196 Million for Somalia Security Mission, Warns of Reversal of Gains

AU Appeals for Crucial AUSSOM Funding

The African Union (AU) has issued an urgent appeal for $196 million in funding for the year 2025 to bolster the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The call was made by African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf during a high-level event on financing AUSSOM, held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 26, 2025. Youssouf cautioned that a failure to secure this funding could lead to a reversal of Somalia's hard-won progress.

The meeting, co-convened by the Government of Somalia, the AU, the UN, and the United Kingdom, was chaired by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and brought together ministers from troop-contributing countries and international partners.

AUSSOM's Mandate and Operational Scope

AUSSOM officially commenced on January 1, 2025, succeeding the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Its primary mandate, approved by the UN Security Council Resolution 2767 (2024), is to support the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) in degrading Al-Shabaab and affiliated groups, protecting civilians, and facilitating the orderly transfer of security responsibilities to Somali forces. The mission is designed as a bridge to full Somali ownership of its security, with a clear objective to transfer all security responsibilities by December 2029.

The mission is multidimensional, comprising military, police, and civilian components, and is authorized to deploy 11,826 uniformed personnel, including 680 police personnel, until December 31, 2025. Key tasks include:

• Supporting Somali security forces in degrading Al-Shabaab and restricting its access to illicit financing.
• Providing security for political processes, key population centers, and critical infrastructure.
• Protecting AU and UN personnel, installations, and assets.
• Supporting the Somali Police Force in maintaining public order and internal security.

The Critical Funding Gap

The $196 million requested for 2025 is deemed essential for AUSSOM's operational expenses. While the AU has demonstrated its commitment by doubling its contribution to the Peace Fund to $20 million, a significant gap remains. Chairperson Youssouf emphasized that 'without urgent, predictable, & sustainable financing, hard-won achievements risk being undone.'

The financing of AU-led peace support operations has been a contentious issue. UN Security Council Resolution 2719 (2023) aimed to establish a new financing model, potentially allowing up to 75 percent of funding to come from UN assessed contributions. However, the implementation of this framework for AUSSOM has faced reluctance from some international partners, notably the United States, which has expressed opposition to using UN assessed contributions for AUSSOM and even introduced a bill, the 'AUSSOM Funding Restriction Act of 2025,' to prohibit such contributions.

Somalia's Progress and Lingering Threats

Somalia has achieved notable milestones, including securing debt relief and gaining a seat on the UN Security Council. Since 2022, the Somali government, often in conjunction with clan militias, has made significant territorial gains against Al-Shabaab in central Somalia. These efforts have re-established government presence in areas previously controlled by the militant group.

Despite these advances, the security situation remains fragile. Al-Shabaab continues to pose a potent threat, with intensified offensive operations and the recapture of key areas in central Somalia in 2025. Political instability and resource constraints within Somalia also contribute to the challenges in consolidating gains and effectively implementing counter-terrorism strategies.

Call for Collective International Support

The AU's appeal underscores the critical juncture Somalia faces. AUSSOM is envisioned as the AU's final mission in the country, designed to facilitate a complete handover of security responsibilities to Somali forces. Chairperson Youssouf urged the UN, EU, and all international partners to match Africa's commitment, stating, 'Together, let us ensure that Somalia's future is defined by hope, not relapse.' The sustained support of the international community is crucial to prevent a reversal of progress and to secure long-term stability in the Horn of Africa.