AU mission in Somalia on brink of collapse over $180 million funding gap

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) could collapse, following a crisis in funding, with stakeholders revealing a funding gap totalling to around $180 million.

Currently, the AU mission in Somalia hosts close to 11,000 troops from Kenya, Burundi, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Uganda, a number that was reached after a drawdown which was implemented a few months ago after the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) transitioned to AUSSOM.

During the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting in New York, Chairperson of the mission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf told the High-Level Event on Financing AUSSOM, that Somalia remains fragile. The al-Shabaab continues to bring problems in the country.

According to Youssouf, the funding gap has reached $180 million despite support from several international partners. Egypt is due to send a contigent of troops to the country in coming weeks..

“The AU has already doubled its contribution to the Peace Fund to $20 million, demonstrating Africa’s resolve. Yet without urgent, predictable and sustainable financing, hard-won achievements risk being undone,” he warned.

Acknowledging what he termed “funding fatigue” among traditional Western partners, Youssouf said AUSSOM is not an open-ended mission.

“With adequate support, it can close the chapter of dependency and usher in a new era of sovereignty, stability and prosperity,” he said, urging the UN, EU and other partners to match Africa’s determination.

Musalia Mudavadi, the Prime Cabinet Secretary of the Republic of Kenya, warned that the gaps could poise a serious threat in the stabilisation of the country. The mandate of the AUSSOM expires in December 2025.

“Such a framework must be comprehensive, covering troop stipends, logistics, mobility, and broader operational requirements to ensure predictability and effectiveness. Financial uncertainty undermines mission readiness, emboldens extremist groups, and threatens to reverse the hard-won gains achieved through years of sacrifice and solidarity,” Mudavadi said.

Further, Mudavadi acknowledged the complexities but urged compromise: “Kenya remains steadfast in this mission, with about 3,000 of our gallant troops serving in Somalia, standing shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters in pursuit of a peaceful and secure region.”

US President Donald Trump has warned possibility of Washington cutting support for Somalia , highlighting various challenges including proportional funding by partners. Washington has also raised claims of possible embezzlement of funds by the country's leadership.

GAROWE ONLINE