Somalia’s Security Transition Faces Challenges as Donor Fatigue Grows Over Political and Security Stagnation

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia is facing a critical phase in its security transition as regional leaders and officials meet in Uganda to discuss the future of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which is grappling with growing financial pressures and uncertainty over continued international support.

The extraordinary summit of AUSSOM troop-contributing countries, being held in Kampala, brings together leaders and senior officials from Burundi, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and Uganda, alongside representatives from the United Nations, African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

The three-day meeting began on Wednesday with talks among defence chiefs, followed by a defence ministers’ meeting on Thursday. Heads of state and government are expected to hold their summit on Friday.

AUSSOM is facing mounting financial challenges after a decline in international donor support and Washington’s decision to end funding for United Nations logistical support to the mission by December 2026. The funding gap has raised concerns over the mission’s ability to sustain operations and maintain security gains in Somalia.

Separately, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with the commander of the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, at Villa Somalia’s Halane security complex in Mogadishu. The talks focused on accelerating the fight against Al-Shabaab, strengthening the Somali National Army and expanding security cooperation between Somalia and the United States.

While international partners continue to support Somalia, there are growing signs of frustration over the slow pace of political progress, internal disputes and delays in electoral reforms. Analysts say security gains cannot be achieved through military operations alone, but require inclusive political agreements, stable governance and stronger state institutions capable of taking full responsibility for national security.

GAROWE ONLINE