The African Union (AU) is weighing the possibility of scaling down its Somalia Transition Mission (AUSSOM) due to a severe funding shortfall, just as Somalia remains unprepared to independently manage its national security.
According to a report published by the Crisis Group, the lack of funding has already had a negative impact on AUSSOM’s operations, and has sparked frustration among troop-contributing countries whose forces are deployed in Somalia.
Just two days ago, the UN Security Council failed to pass a resolution that would have allowed up to 75% of AUSSOM’s budget to be covered through United Nations funding—after the United States openly opposed the proposal.
With the U.S. withdrawing its financial support, the African Union and its partners have yet to present any viable alternative funding solutions beyond the measures outlined in Resolution 2719.
In response, AU officials are working to organize a high-level donor conference, potentially in Doha or London, aimed at securing financial commitments to sustain the mission and prevent Somalia from once again falling into the hands of extremist groups.
