EU approves €75 million contribution to AU mission in Somalia

BRUSSELS — The European Union and its member states have approved a €75 million contribution to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, reaffirming the bloc as the mission’s largest financial backer.

The funding brings the EU’s total support to successive African Union-led missions in Somalia over the past two decades to nearly €2.8 billion, underscoring its long-standing role in supporting security efforts in the Horn of Africa.

Bankole Adeoye, the AU commissioner for political affairs, peace and security, welcomed the contribution, saying it would strengthen the mission’s operations and reflect continued cooperation between the AU and EU to promote stability, governance, and security in Somalia and the wider region.

He also praised troop-contributing countries for what he described as their sacrifices in efforts to restore peace in Somalia.

Javier Niño Pérez, head of the EU delegation to the AU, said the funding demonstrates the bloc’s commitment to African-led peace operations, following pledges made at the AU-EU Summit in Luanda.

He said strengthening security in Somalia remains critical for regional stability and reaffirmed the EU’s broader partnership with African institutions aimed at supporting peace and development across the continent.

The contribution is part of a wider EU strategy to support AU-led peace operations and governance initiatives, aligned with long-term frameworks, including Agenda 2063.

EU says the partnership with the AU remains central to addressing security challenges in Africa, including conflict prevention, counterterrorism, and the impacts of climate-related instability.

The EU has been one of the largest supporters of AU peace operations, providing funding, equipment, and training through mechanisms such as the European Peace Facility, which has mobilized billions of euros for African security efforts since its creation.