Somalia's Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi says Somali forces can continue fighting Al-Shabaab without AU troops, as uncertainty grows over the future of AUSSOM and international funding.
MOGADISHU, Somalia (Somali Report) — Somalia's Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi said the country's security forces and civilians can continue fighting Al-Shabaab even if African Union troops leave, as uncertainty persists over the future of the AU mission and international support for it.
Fiqi said Somali forces had developed sufficient capacity to confront the Al-Qaeda-linked militant group and would continue operations regardless of whether the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, known as AUSSOM, remains in the country.
“Al-Shabaab cannot capture even a single village if AUSSOM leaves Somalia,” Fiqi said at an awards ceremony in Mogadishu organised by Five Magazine to recognise companies described as among the country's best performers this year.
The minister said Somali forces, working alongside local communities, would remain at the forefront of efforts to prevent Al-Shabaab from expanding its territorial influence.
His comments come as Somalia continues its transition toward greater responsibility for national security, with African Union forces supporting government troops in operations against Al-Shabaab and providing security at key locations.
AUSSOM replaced the previous African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, known as ATMIS, as part of a broader shift toward Somali-led security operations. The mission supports Somali forces in fighting Al-Shabaab, securing strategic facilities and holding areas recovered from the militant group.
Fiqi also criticised unnamed Somali politicians whom he accused of portraying the country to the international community as a failing state with weak security and at imminent risk of being taken over by Al-Shabaab.
He said such statements overlooked the progress made by Somali security forces and undermined public confidence as well as the work of institutions seeking to rebuild the country.
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The minister did not provide details of the military capabilities he believes would allow Somali forces to operate without AU troops. Somalia's forces continue to receive international assistance, including training, equipment and logistical support.
The future of AUSSOM remains closely linked to the availability of international funding. The mission has faced continuing challenges in securing predictable financing for its operations and for the support provided to African troops serving in Somalia.
The United States recently backed an extension of United Nations logistical support for AUSSOM for another year, while calling for a gradual reduction in that assistance. A longer-term financing arrangement to fully replace the existing support has yet to be established.
The AU mission has played a role in supporting Somali government forces as they conduct operations against Al-Shabaab, which continues to maintain the ability to carry out attacks despite years of military pressure.
Somalia has sought to strengthen its own armed forces as international security responsibilities gradually shift to national institutions. Government officials have repeatedly said that building a capable Somali security sector is essential to maintaining areas recovered from Al-Shabaab and preventing the militant group from regaining ground.
Fiqi's remarks underline the government's position that Somalia's security forces should eventually be able to operate independently, even as discussions continue over the timetable, funding and responsibilities of international forces supporting the country.
The minister's comments also reflect a broader debate over Somalia's security transition, with the government emphasizing the progress of its forces while international partners continue to assess the resources required to prevent Al-Shabaab from exploiting security gaps.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
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