AU Holds Emergency Talks After US Signals End to AUSSOM Funding Support

GOOBJOOG NEWS | ADDIS ABABA: The African Union (AU) convened an emergency meeting on Friday to assess the future of its peace support mission in Somalia after the United States announced it would end support for the UN logistics mechanism that sustains the operation from January 2027.

The closed-door meeting brought together military and defence advisers from member states serving on the AU Peace and Security Council, including Somalia, to examine the implications of Washington’s decision and explore alternative options to keep the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) operational.

The meeting followed a formal diplomatic note sent by the United States to the African Union on July 1, informing the Commission that it would no longer support the continuation of the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) after the current mandate expires on December 31, 2026. Washington also indicated it would oppose any future UN Security Council arrangement that continued to finance AUSSOM through the existing UN logistical support mechanism.

The African Union has warned that the move could significantly affect AUSSOM’s logistics, troop sustainment and operational effectiveness at a time when the mission remains central to Somalia’s fight against al-Shabaab. UNSOS currently provides essential non-lethal support, including food, fuel, medical services, engineering, transport and communications for nearly 12,000 AU personnel deployed across Somalia.

According to diplomatic sources, the United States said its decision reflected concerns over the pace of Somalia’s security sector reforms, political divisions and what it described as limited progress in transferring security responsibilities fully to Somali forces. Despite ending support for UNSOS, Washington said it does not oppose extending AUSSOM’s mandate, provided it is financed through alternative arrangements.

The funding uncertainty comes at a critical stage for Somalia’s security transition. AUSSOM, which replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in January 2025, was established to support Somali security forces as they gradually assume full responsibility for national security while continuing joint operations against the al-Shabaab militant group.

The mission has faced persistent financial challenges since its inception, prompting repeated appeals by the African Union, the United Nations and troop-contributing countries for a predictable and sustainable funding model. Earlier this year, AU peace and security officials warned that financing gaps could undermine gains made against al-Shabaab and slow Somalia’s security transition.

No official outcome from Friday’s emergency meeting has been released but AU officials are expected to present recommendations to the Peace and Security Council as member states consider options for sustaining the mission beyond 2026.