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Somalia renews call for sustainable funding of AU peace mission, urging African Union member states and international partners to step up financial support for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The appeal was made by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Mohamed Omar during a virtual ministerial session of the AU Peace and Security Council, where he emphasized the urgent need for long-term funding solutions to ensure the mission’s success.
Speaking on behalf of the Somali government, Omar proposed the convening of a dedicated AUSSOM Financing Conference, suggesting that a Gulf nation could host the event to help mobilize resources and promote transparent financial oversight. He stressed that greater African ownership of the mission would not only inspire international confidence but also reinforce the credibility of AUSSOM, which officially replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) on July 1.
“African solutions must be matched by African investment,” Omar said. “We are calling on all AU member states to contribute more significantly through the AU Peace Fund. Sustainable funding is not just a financial necessity—it is a strategic imperative for Somalia’s stabilization.”
AUSSOM, now the largest peace support operation on the continent, was established to support Somalia’s transition to full security ownership. With a mandate to deploy 11,911 personnel, the mission focuses on protecting civilians, securing infrastructure, and assisting Somali forces in countering threats from Al-Shabaab and other armed groups.
Despite its operational importance, AUSSOM faces a significant funding gap. The United Nations is currently seeking an additional $41.6 million in extra-budgetary contributions to maintain the mission. The initial annual budget was projected at $190.2 million, but a decision to maintain the troop reimbursement rate at $828 per soldier per month—rather than increasing it to $1,000—reduced the revised budget to $166.5 million.
Omar also used the platform to express Somalia’s condolences following the July 2 helicopter crash in Mogadishu that claimed the lives of five Ugandan peacekeepers. He praised their sacrifice and reaffirmed Somalia’s gratitude to all troop and police-contributing countries for their role in the country’s stabilization.
The minister highlighted the progress made under Somali leadership in reclaiming territory from militants, restoring public services, and rebuilding national institutions. He described AUSSOM as a “Somali-owned, African-led” initiative that aligns closely with the country’s national security agenda and long-term development goals.
Observers say Somalia’s renewed call for sustainable funding comes at a critical juncture. With the 2026 elections on the horizon and the threat of extremist resurgence still looming, the success of AUSSOM will be pivotal in determining whether Somalia can maintain its fragile gains and move toward lasting peace.
The African Union has echoed Somalia’s concerns, with recent communiqués reaffirming the need for predictable and adequate funding to support the mission’s mandate. The AU Peace and Security Council has also urged member states to close ranks and demonstrate solidarity by increasing their financial contributions.
As Somalia continues its journey toward self-reliance, the international community’s response to this funding appeal will be closely watched. For now, the message from Mogadishu is clear: peace requires partnership, and partnership must be backed by resources.