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Mogadishu (HOL) – The Somali federal government, together with the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), has issued an urgent appeal to international donors to help sustain support for Somali Security Forces at a critical time for the country’s security efforts.
The appeal was made during a Somali Security Forces Trust Fund event held in Mogadishu, where Somali and international officials gathered to discuss the growing financial needs required to keep security operations running. The meeting brought together Somalia’s National Security Advisor, senior representatives from AUSSOM and UNSOS, ambassadors, and members of the diplomatic community. Senior officials from the Somali National Armed Forces, the Somali Police Force, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Internal Security, and the Office of National Security also took part.
During the discussions, participants emphasized the vital role played by the Somali Security Forces Trust Fund in enabling Somali-led security operations across the country. They warned that without immediate and increased voluntary donor contributions, ongoing operations could face serious disruptions. Officials stressed that the trust fund is not just a financial mechanism, but a lifeline that allows Somali forces to operate safely and effectively on the frontlines.
According to officials, maintaining the most basic life-support services for Somali forces comes at a significant cost. Each month, Somali troops require at least 540 metric tonnes of food rations, 180,000 litres of fuel, and continuous access to air medical evacuation services for injured personnel. Providing this minimum level of support costs around $1.2 million per month. However, delivering the full range of mandated support needed for effective operations raises the monthly cost to approximately $2.3 million.
Through the trust fund, UNSOS provides critical logistical and operational assistance to Somali Security Forces engaged in joint or coordinated missions with AUSSOM. This support includes food rations, fuel supplies, medical evacuation services, transport, communication equipment, defensive materials, and tents for forward operating bases. These resources are essential for allowing Somali forces to operate in challenging environments and maintain pressure on militant groups.
UNSOS officials noted that an increasing share of the supplies and services funded through the trust fund is being sourced from local Somali businesses. This approach not only helps keep operations running but also injects money into the local economy and strengthens Somali ownership of the country’s security efforts. By relying more on domestic suppliers, the support framework contributes to job creation and builds local capacity, reinforcing the long-term sustainability of Somalia’s security institutions.
The trust fund is built on a close partnership between the Federal Government of Somalia, AUSSOM, and UNSOS. This tripartite arrangement ensures that support for Somali forces is aligned with national priorities and delivered in a coordinated and accountable manner. Officials described the fund as a critical tool for translating international support into real, on-the-ground impact for Somali troops.
Speakers at the event expressed strong appreciation for the countries and partners that have already contributed to Somalia’s security and stabilization efforts. At the same time, they warned that the current funding gap poses a serious risk to maintaining operational momentum. Without swift action, they said, Somali forces could be left without essential supplies and services needed to protect themselves and the communities they serve.
Continued international support, officials stressed, is essential to safeguarding Somali forces on the frontlines and preserving the progress made in restoring peace and stability across the country. They called on donors to act quickly to ensure that hard-won security gains are not reversed due to lack of resources.
A wide range of countries and partners currently support Somalia’s security efforts, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Sweden, Djibouti, Ethiopia, the European Union, Italy, Kenya, Qatar, Türkiye, Uganda, Ireland, Switzerland, Canada, France, Russia, Denmark, and Japan. Officials urged both existing and potential donors to step up their contributions to help Somalia continue its path toward long-term security and stability.