The African Union and European Union have warned that funding shortages and operational challenges facing AUSSOM could undermine security gains against Al-Shabaab and threaten Somalia's transition to taking full responsibility for its security.
ADDIS ABABA (Somali Report) - The African Union and European Union have warned that financial and operational challenges facing the AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) could undermine security gains against Al-Shabaab and threaten the country's efforts to gradually assume responsibility for its own security.
The warning came during a joint consultation meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where the two organisations discussed security developments across Africa, with particular focus on AUSSOM and its contribution to stability in Somalia.
In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the AU and EU commended the Somali government, AUSSOM troops and troop-contributing countries for progress made in the fight against militant groups.
However, they expressed concern over funding shortages and operational constraints facing the mission, warning that these difficulties could reverse security gains and undermine efforts to sustain military pressure on Al-Shabaab.
The two organisations said the challenges could also complicate Somalia's planned transition towards taking full responsibility for its national security.
They urged the Somali government to assess the potential security implications of planned reductions in United Nations support for the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), which provides logistical and operational assistance to AUSSOM.
The assessment, they said, should take into account the possible impact on the transition of security responsibilities and the mission's capacity to continue supporting operations against militant groups.
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The AU and EU also called for adequate, sustainable and predictable financing for African Union peace support operations, stressing that international financial assistance remained essential to maintaining security operations in Somalia.
Their appeal comes amid growing concerns over the financial sustainability of AUSSOM, which replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in January 2025.
The mission is mandated to support Somali security forces in combating Al-Shabaab, protect key population centres and infrastructure, and help the country strengthen its security institutions as international forces gradually draw down.
Somalia has been working towards assuming greater responsibility for its security, but the transition has faced persistent challenges, including militant attacks, gaps in military capabilities and uncertainty over international funding.
The AU and EU reiterated their support for Somalia's sovereignty, territorial integrity and political unity, while welcoming efforts to strengthen security and stability.
Their warning highlights the growing uncertainty surrounding the future of international security assistance to Somalia, as funding constraints threaten to complicate the transition and sustain pressure on Al-Shabaab.
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.
