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ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA & DOHA, QATAR – February 20, 2025 – The African Union (AU) is set to discuss the establishment of a new peacekeeping mission in Somalia, known as the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), in both Addis Ababa and Doha. This new mission aims to replace the outgoing African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and further support Somalia’s state-building efforts and counterterrorism operations.
Mission Objectives
AUSSOM will focus on supporting the Somali government in its efforts to degrade militant groups like Al-Shabaab and other terrorist organizations. The mission will also work towards enhancing the capacity of Somalia’s national security forces to maintain stability and security within the country.
Funding Challenges
One of the key issues to be addressed during the discussions is the funding mechanism for AUSSOM. The mission is expected to be funded through a hybrid cost-sharing mechanism involving contributions from both the United Nations (UN) and AU member states. However, delays in activating this mechanism have raised concerns about the sustainability of the mission’s funding.
Geopolitical Dynamics
The discussions in Addis Ababa and Doha will also address the geopolitical dynamics in the region, including the involvement of various troop-contributing countries. Ethiopia, a major contributor to previous missions, has faced tensions with Somalia over its recent agreement with Somaliland. The AU will seek to navigate these complexities to ensure the successful implementation of AUSSOM.
International Support
The AU has called for increased international support and cooperation to ensure the success of the new mission. The involvement of regional partners and international allies will be crucial in achieving the mission’s objectives and maintaining peace and stability in Somalia.