U.S. Withdrawal Challenges Stability of AU Mission in Somalia
The move could leave the nearly 12,000-strong mission without food, fuel and transport support, officials said.
- On Wednesday, the United States informed the African Union it will block United Nations support for the Somalia peacekeeping mission starting next year, threatening the nearly 12,000-strong force.
- Washington delivered a stinging critique, stating Somalia has been "unable to sustain progress against al-Shabaab" and "take ownership of its security functions" despite more than a decade of international support.
- The AU Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia relies heavily on the UN Support Office, which operates with a budget of around $500 million to provide essential logistics including food, fuel, and medical services.
- On Thursday, the African Union Commission warned the decision carries "significant implications for the logistical sustainment, operational posture and financing of the Mission," while Ahmed Koshin, a Somali parliament member, told Reuters the mission faces danger.
- UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric confirmed the organization is engaging internally with partners on the decision, though diplomats warn the mission cannot continue without replacement UN support, jeopardizing security in Mogadishu.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Washington is putting an end to its support for the United Nations Support Office in Somalia, which could end an African Union peacekeeping mission.
Diplomatic documents consulted by RFI indicate that Washington has informed the African Union (AU) that the United States will not maintain its funding at the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) beyond the end of 2026, thus depriving the AU Stabilization and Support Mission in Somalia (Aussom), which has nearly 12,000 men committed to supporting the government of Mogadishu, in front of al-Shebab militiamen, linked to al-Qaeda.
A peace force of the African Union supports Somalia against extremists. The US urges the UN not to extend logistical aid for the mission.
Donald Trump has been betting against the Mogadishu government for a long time. Now the US is canceling its support for the peace force in Somalia. This could have drastic consequences for the country.
Despite US investments, Somalia has not been able to sustain progress in the fight against extremists. The move is likely to mark the end of the 12,000-strong deployment, as the troops depend on UN logistics.
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