Rethinking the AU's Somalia peace mission after US funding cuts
The African Union's peace mission in Somalia faces a funding crisis following the United States' decision to withdraw financial support by the end of 2025. This move complicates the transition of security responsibilities to the Somali government.
Why it matters
The withdrawal of US funding threatens the stability of a long-standing regional security operation and impacts the fight against al-Shabaab.
By Meressa K Dessu Senior Researcher and Training Coordinator, ISS Addis Ababa Tamrat Zeyede Haile Consultant, ISS Addis Ababa
After nearly 20 years of operations, the African Union Stabilisation and Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is no longer tenable. On 1 July, the United States (US) notified the AU that it would not provide funding for the mission beyond 31 December.
AUSSOM relies on US funds to cover its logistics costs. The US has also been providing bilateral support to troop-contributing countries and the Somali Security Forces.
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