U.S. extends AUSSOM support for one more year as African troop exit looms

The United States has announced that it will provide support to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) for an additional year, according to information submitted to the United Nations.

The U.S. said the 12-month support period is intended to help gradually scale down the mission while allowing time to prepare for the eventual withdrawal of African troops from Somalia.

The support will be channelled through the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), which provides essential assistance to AUSSOM personnel, including food, fuel, medical services, water and logistical support such as transportation.

UNSOS reportedly requires about $500 million in funding, making the continuation of U.S. support significant for sustaining the mission during the transition period.

The additional year of assistance comes as questions remain over the future of AUSSOM and the withdrawal plans of troop-contributing countries. Uganda, for example, has said it plans to withdraw its forces from Somalia by August 2027.

It remains unclear whether Uganda and other troop-contributing countries will extend their deployments during the additional year of U.S. support.

Mustaqbal