AUSSOM Faces $190 Million Budget Gap for 2025 as AU Urges Urgent Support

The African Union’s peacekeeping mission in Somalia, AUSSOM, faces a critical funding gap of $190 million for 2025, threatening the continuity of stabilization operations in the war-torn nation. This was revealed by African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, represented by Special Envoy Youssouf Mahmoud Ali, during a summit of Troop-Contributing Countries (TCCs) held in Entebbe.

Speaking at the high-level gathering, which was also attended by representatives from the United Nations, European Union, United States, and United Kingdom, Youssouf emphasized the urgency of mobilizing resources to support the mission’s two phases planned for 2025.

“There is still reluctance to implement UNSC Resolution 2719 on Somalia. It will take a collective effort to mobilize financial resources of up to $190 million,” he warned. “We cannot risk letting the peace mission fail.”

The summit coincided with growing calls from TCC leaders to reinforce troop levels by an additional 8,000 personnel, further underscoring the dire need for financial support to ensure operational readiness.

While traditional international partners have played a critical role in supporting AU missions, Youssouf urged African countries themselves to increase contributions to the AU Peace Fund, warning that the mission’s survival now hinges on greater African ownership and solidarity.

As Somalia remains a focal point of regional stability, AUSSOM’s success is seen as vital for containing extremism and restoring governance in fragile areas. With escalating costs and security risks, the pressure is now mounting on both regional and international actors to deliver the support needed.

Mustaqbal