Lack of US support clouds UN funding plan for AU mission in Somalia
Source: Hiiraan Online, Sunday April 20, 2025
FILE – African Union troops salute during a flag-raising ceremony marking the transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM at a forward operating base in Somalia, January 2025. CREDIT: AU/AMISOM Photo
Mogadishu (HOL) — The United States’ abstention from a December UN Security Council resolution endorsing funding for the African Union’s mission in Somalia has cast a shadow over AUSSOM’s future, with fears mounting ahead of a critical vote in May to approve the mission’s financing.
Washington’s reluctance stems from concerns over applying the hybrid funding model outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 2719, which permits up to 75% of the budget for African Union-led peace operations to be covered by UN-assessed contributions. A decisive Security Council vote on whether to release the funds for AUSSOM is scheduled for May 15.
During an explanation of the vote on December 27, 2024, U.S. Deputy Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Dorothy Shea said, “Somalia is not a suitable testing ground for the proposed funding model,” adding that the model could lead to UN funds covering more than 90% of AUSSOM’s costs—exceeding the limits established under Resolution 2719. The U.S. ultimately abstained from supporting Resolution 2767, which authorized AUSSOM’s deployment, citing unresolved concerns over financial transparency and operational control.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in an April 10 report, warned the Security Council that without systematic financial support, AUSSOM’s ability to operate effectively could be compromised, undermining efforts to stabilize Somalia. The mission, launched in January 2025, is already facing severe financial difficulties, needing an estimated $90.4 million to maintain its operations from January to June alone, according to the African Union Peace and Security Council.
These funding issues occur amidst a volatile security environment. Recently, al-Shabaab militants captured the strategic town of Adan Yabaal in central Somalia, previously a base for government military operations. This development underscores the urgent need for sustained international backing of AUSSOM.
AUSSOM follows the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which itself succeeded the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM, which had operated since 2007 and played a major role in counter-terrorism efforts. The transition to AUSSOM in January 2025 was designed to further enhance both the African Union’s operational effectiveness and the capabilities of local Somali forces.
The current funding impasse highlights deeper divisions within the international community regarding the financial responsibility for peace operations in Africa. Critics of the hybrid funding approach argue it could lead to inefficient use of resources. At the same time, supporters insist it is essential for sustainability and stability in regions like the Horn of Africa.