Muqdisho News
The African Union has made significant progress in operationalizing its new Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), with the deployment of additional forces and approval of its operational framework. The mission officially began in January 2025, taking over from ATMIS, and aims to support Somalia’s security forces, stabilize liberated areas, and counter al-Shabaab.
Key troop and police contributors — including Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Egypt, Nigeria, and Uganda — met in June to negotiate memoranda of understanding defining their roles. These MoUs, once finalized, will formalize the contributions and responsibilities of each country.
Despite growing momentum, AUSSOM faces a severe funding gap. The mission needs $90.4 million for the first half of 2025 but has only secured $16.7 million. A new hybrid funding model, allowing the UN to cover up to 75% of costs, is set to begin in July, pending final UN Security Council approval.
AUSSOM’s success now depends on urgent funding, steady international support, and coordinated regional action.
