African Union Holds Emergency Talks After US Moves to End Funding for Somalia Peace Mission

The African Union (AU) has convened an emergency meeting to discuss the future of its peacekeeping mission in Somalia following the United States' decision to end key funding for the operation, citing limited progress in the fight against the Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab.

The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which deploys about 12,000 troops to support the Somali military, depends heavily on logistical assistance from the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), a programme largely financed by the United States.

According to a July 1 letter from Washington, the US will stop funding UNSOS at the end of 2026 and will oppose any further UN logistical support for AUSSOM at the United Nations Security Council.

A senior African diplomat, who confirmed the letter, described the decision as final, warning that the peacekeeping mission could struggle to continue without UN-backed logistical support.

The United States said it has contributed nearly $2 billion to UN operations in Somalia since 2007 and more than $1.6 billion to support African Union troops deployed in the country. It added that it has also provided hundreds of millions of dollars to strengthen Somalia's security forces, alongside billions in humanitarian and development assistance.

Washington defended its decision by arguing that the Somali government has failed to consolidate military gains against Al-Shabaab, take full responsibility for national security, or implement meaningful security sector reforms.

Neither the African Union nor the Somali government immediately responded publicly to the US announcement.

Somalia has battled the Al-Shabaab insurgency for nearly two decades, with the militant group continuing to control significant parts of central and southern Somalia despite sustained military operations.

The funding decision also comes at a time of growing political uncertainty in Somalia following constitutional changes introduced by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud that extended his tenure by one year after his previous term expired in May.

The constitutional amendments have been rejected by opposition parties and several regional administrations, triggering political tensions and violent clashes in parts of the country, including the capital, Mogadishu.

Security analyst Zekarias Beshah warned that although Somali security forces were expected to gradually assume full responsibility for the country's security, ongoing political divisions have slowed that transition.

He cautioned that any reduction in international support could weaken security efforts and provide Al-Shabaab with an opportunity to intensify its attacks.