MOGADISHU, Somalia — A $180 million funding gap threatens the future of the African Union mission in Somalia amid ongoing high-level global talks.
AU chief Mahmoud Ali Youssouf warned Somalia remains fragile and cannot withstand al-Shabab threats without urgent financial and operational international support.
He noted the AU has doubled its Peace Fund contribution to $20 million but stressed that predictable, sustainable financing remains urgently needed.
Youssouf acknowledged donor fatigue from Western partners but emphasized AUSSOM can end dependency if given proper global backing and long-term investment.
Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the growing funding gap threatens AUSSOM’s mandate, due to expire in December this year.
Mudavadi urged swift implementation of U.N. Resolution 2719 to establish a hybrid financing model supporting logistics, stipends, and broad mission operations.
“Uncertainty undermines readiness, emboldens militants, and jeopardizes progress,” Mudavadi said, appealing for immediate support to stabilize Somalia’s fragile security gains.
Resolution 2719 allows U.N.-assessed funding for AU missions, but applying it to AUSSOM remains disputed, with U.S. concerns over global burden-sharing.
Despite obstacles, Mudavadi affirmed Kenya’s commitment, noting 3,000 Kenyan troops remain deployed in Somalia under the African Union mission.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said AUSSOM’s success is essential for Somalia and key to wider regional and international peace.
The United Kingdom pledged £16.5 million ($22 million) for 2025, while Italy, Japan, Korea, and Spain also announced new contributions.
The European Union plans to announce support for AUSSOM’s military operations, aiming to close the growing financial shortfall undermining the mission.