The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is set to officially begin its operations on July 1, 2025, taking over full responsibility for security from the outgoing ATMIS mission.
AUSSOM was established on January 1, 2025, with the approval of the United Nations Security Council. The mission is expected to deploy up to 12,000 personnel, including military troops and 680 police officers. However, this number is planned to gradually reduce by the end of 2025.
Despite its strategic importance, AUSSOM is facing significant financial hurdles. Between January and June 2025, the mission required $90.4 million to operate, but secured only $16.7 million, leaving a funding gap of $73.7 million.
To address this challenge, the United Nations has approved a hybrid financing model that will allow up to 75% of AUSSOM’s annual budget to be covered by UN-assessed contributions starting July 1, 2025.
Even before the official start date, AUSSOM troops, in collaboration with the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), have conducted joint operations against Al-Shabaab. In a three-day offensive in June codenamed “Silent Storm,” the forces reclaimed the strategic villages of Anole and Sabiid, previously controlled by the militant group.
According to an AUSSOM statement, the goal of the operation was to liberate areas under the control of terrorist groups.
Brigadier General Joseph Ssemwanga, Commander of Sector One, noted that Sabiid and Anole had been critical strongholds for Al-Shabaab since March. These locations were used to plan deadly attacks, store weapons and explosive-laden vehicles, and set up illegal checkpoints.
