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As the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) prepares to launch in January 2025, securing adequate funding has become a central challenge. The mission aims to replace the current African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Resolution 2719, recently passed by the UN Security Council, allows the UN to support the AU’s peace operations financially. However, Somalia needs broader international support to make this financially viable. The United Nations, African Union, and international partners are still working to secure financial commitments and logistical resources for the operation. This financial ambiguity has left AUSSOM in a precarious position as stakeholders push for sustainable funding arrangements to ensure a smooth transition.
Ethiopia-Somalia Tensions Impact Mission
Tensions with Ethiopia have added another layer of complexity. After Ethiopia signed an agreement with Somaliland on port access and naval collaboration, Somali officials voiced distrust in Ethiopia’s involvement in AUSSOM. Somalia argues that Ethiopia’s actions undermine its sovereignty, especially as Ethiopia has historically contributed troops to Somali peacekeeping efforts. This friction could impact Ethiopia’s role in future peace operations under AUSSOM and potentially influence the mission’s overall effectiveness. The AU must navigate these sensitivities to avoid further destabilizing the region.
International Involvement and Broader Implications
Somalia has sought support from allies, including Turkey and regional neighbors like Kenya, Uganda, and Djibouti, as potential troop-contributing countries. The escalation of conflicts within Somalia, particularly with Al-Shabaab, has heightened the urgency for a stable peacekeeping framework. Experts caution that Ethiopia’s exclusion could strain not only Somalia’s internal security but also broader Horn of Africa stability, where Ethiopia remains a significant player.
In this complex environment, the AU’s peacekeeping mission in Somalia is at a crossroads, with funding and diplomatic challenges threatening the region’s future security.