The United Nations Security Council is expected to renew the mandate of the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) before it expires at the end of December, according to officials familiar with the process. The mandate extension comes at a critical moment, as the mission faces mounting financial pressures that threaten hard-won security gains across Somalia.
Alongside the mandate renewal, the Council is also set to review updates to sanctions imposed on Al-Shabaab under Resolution 2713, including maritime restrictions, which are due to expire on December 13. These discussions coincide with the approaching end of the term for the 2713 Sanctions Committee’s Panel of Experts, whose mandate concludes on January 13, 2026.
AUSSOM, supported by the UN Support Office for Somalia (UNSOS), has been central to stabilisation efforts and ongoing operations against Al-Shabaab. However, both the AU mission and UNSOS are grappling with severe funding shortfalls that have already begun to strain operational capacity.
African Union officials have issued urgent appeals to the international community, warning that without reliable and sustained financial support, AUSSOM will struggle to provide regular salaries, essential supplies, and operational backing to its forces. They caution that continued funding gaps could undermine progress against Al-Shabaab, jeopardise security in newly liberated areas, and expose Somali communities to renewed threats.
Countries supporting the mission have been urged to increase contributions to ensure AUSSOM remains coordinated, effective, and capable of reinforcing Somalia’s long-term peace and stability. As the Security Council prepares its decisions in the coming days, Somali and AU officials alike hope the international community will step up to preserve the mission’s momentum during this pivotal period.
