AU peacekeeping mission in Somalia at risk of collapse as US ends key UN support

MOAGDISHU (Somaliguardian) – The United States has informed the African Union that it will end its support for United Nations logistical assistance to the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia from next year, a decision that officials and diplomats warn could threaten the future of the operation supporting Somalia’s fight against Al-Shabaab.

The policy shift, outlined in two documents reviewed by media, marks a significant change in Washington’s approach to Somalia and comes as the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) continues to rely heavily on U.N. assistance to sustain its operations across the country.

In a diplomatic note dated July 1, the United States told the African Union it would no longer support the U.N. Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) beyond the end of this year. While Washington said it would not object to the U.N. Security Council renewing AUSSOM’s mandate, it said it would oppose any extension that included continued U.N. logistical or operational support.

The decision places fresh uncertainty over the future of the nearly 12,000-member AUSSOM force, which has helped Somalia’s fragile federal government counter the Al-Qaeda-linked militant group Al-Shabaab. The mission has played a central role in supporting military operations against the insurgency, whose last offensive brought militants close to Mogadishu and which continues to control large areas of southern and central Somalia.

AUSSOM depends extensively on UNSOS for critical logistical support, including food, water, fuel, medical services and troop transportation. Without that assistance, officials say the mission would face major operational challenges.

The change in U.S. policy comes as President Donald Trump’s administration has grown increasingly frustrated with Somalia’s leadership, arguing that persistent political divisions have weakened efforts to defeat Al-Shabaab despite years of international backing.

UNSOS operates with an annual budget of about $500 million, while AUSSOM’s budget last year stood at approximately $190 million. Funding for the mission has become increasingly uncertain in recent years, creating a significant financial shortfall. Washington also blocked a proposal last year that would have shifted three-quarters of AUSSOM’s financing to U.N. assessed contributions.

The African Union Commission on Thursday informed members of its Peace and Security Council of Washington’s decision, warning that it would have “significant implications for the logistical sustainment, operational posture and financing of the Mission,” according to a letter seen by Somaliguardian.

A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department confirmed that the United States would no longer support UNSOS operations.

“The United States has provided nearly $2 billion in assessed contributions to UNSOS and its predecessor,” the spokesperson said.

“Despite this investment, Somalia has been unable to independently sustain progress that AUSSOM and its predecessor missions have made to degrade and contain al-Shabaab or take ownership of most of its own security functions.”

The spokesperson said the United States should not continue funding a mission that “has not met core objectives” and argued that resources should instead be directed toward security priorities with more immediate and direct implications for U.S. interests.

Ahmed Koshin, a former director general at Somalia’s Ministry of Defence and now a member of the federal parliament, said the U.S. decision could have far-reaching consequences for Somalia’s security.

“This will have huge ramifications for Somalia,” Koshin told Reuters.

“The peacekeeping mission is in danger because ultimately you need to be able to support and sustain these forces,” he added.

Two diplomats with direct knowledge of the African Union mission also told Reuters news agency that AUSSOM would be unable to continue unless another organization stepped in to replace the logistical support currently provided through the United Nations.

U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the organization was aware of the U.S. decision and had begun consultations with key stakeholders.

“At this stage, we are discussing this internally and engaging with the African Union, Federal Government of Somalia and other partners,” Dujarric said.

In its diplomatic note, Washington also delivered a sharp assessment of Somalia’s political leadership, arguing that internal divisions continue to undermine security gains.

“Internal rivalries and political infighting continue to undermine the fight against al-Shabaab and ISIS, and the benefits of international support will remain limited until Somalia’s leaders unite to address the country’s security and governance challenges,” the note said.

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