EU Signals Resumption of Key Funding for African Union Mission in Somalia
After a two-year period of deliberation and hesitation, the European Union has indicated a renewed commitment to financially supporting the African Union’s peacekeeping force in Somalia. This development suggests a strong likelihood of the bloc resuming its position as the primary financial backer, offering a much-needed lifeline to the mission as it navigates a challenging operational landscape. The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (Aussom) has concluded a tumultuous year and is preparing for the next phase of its mandate in the Horn of Africa nation.
A spokesperson for the EU confirmed the commitment, stating, “We are committed to ensuring continuity of the EU’s support. The exact modalities will be announced once the support package is finalised.” This assurance addresses concerns about the duration of the EU’s potential contribution, whether it aligns with a single year or the full five-year mandate of the force.
While the EU has not yet disbursed financial contributions for Aussom’s 2025 operations, recent high-level discussions between Brussels and African Union technical officials have been described as promising. The process for determining the scope and amount of EU support involves deliberation and agreement among its 27 member states. “The scope and amount of the EU’s support is discussed and agreed by the 27 Member States. We will announce it once the overall package is agreed,” the EU spokesperson added. United Nations Security Council documents indicate that the EU is expected to formally announce its funding for Aussom in early 2026.
Crucial Financial Support Amidst Security Challenges
The financial backing from the EU is particularly vital as Somalia continues to grapple with persistent security threats posed by Al-Shabaab. This comes at a time when international partners, including the United States, have scaled back their security and development spending in the region, potentially weakening Somalia’s defence capabilities, according to insights from the International Crisis Group.
The severity of the threat was underscored by a significant incident on October 4th, when Al-Shabaab militants, posing as security officers, launched an assault on the Godka Jilicow prison in Mogadishu. This facility, located in close proximity to the presidential palace, held members of the Al-Qaeda-affiliated group and other high-profile detainees, as reported by the violence and conflict mapping tool Acled.
Despite these ongoing challenges, joint operations conducted by Somali forces and AU peacekeepers have registered notable successes between June and October. These operations led to the recapture of three strategic towns from Al-Shabaab. However, analysts caution that the militants remain a potent force, reportedly operating as close as 40 kilometres outside Mogadishu and maintaining control over significant portions of central Somalia.
A Shift in Funding Dynamics and New Donors
The EU’s renewed willingness to fund Aussom marks a departure from its stance over the past two years. Previously, Brussels had expressed reservations about supporting a new mission in Somalia unless other international donors committed to a more equitable distribution of financial responsibilities for AU peacekeeping operations. This had led to accusations of the EU adopting a passive approach while the AU mission faced funding struggles.
The situation was exacerbated by the United States’ withdrawal from providing a primary funding stream through UN-assessed contributions, as envisioned by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2719. This resolution, adopted in 2023, aimed to cover 75 percent of Aussom’s five-year budget, estimated at $832.5 million, positioning it as a predictable and sustainable funding source. The AU was then tasked with securing the remaining funds from other partners.
In response to this funding gap, several new partners have stepped forward. Japan, South Korea, and China have collectively contributed $4.5 million. In September of the current year, Italy and Spain each pledged $1 million. The United Kingdom, which holds the role of penholder on Somalia within the UN Security Council, announced a significant contribution of $22 million in September. Additionally, the African Union itself allocated $20 million from its Peace Fund. Despite these contributions, the total funding secured remains considerably below the mission’s annual budget requirement of $166.5 million.
Evolving Donor Landscape and Shifting Priorities
Amidst the ongoing search for new donors, initial support for the mission came from Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. Qatar had even offered to host a donors’ pledging conference in Doha, which unfortunately did not yield the desired results. Reports suggest that these Gulf states have since shown a diminished level of support for Aussom.
Instead, there appears to be a shift towards bilateral engagement with Mogadishu. Qatar and the UAE have expressed economic interests in Somalia’s burgeoning energy and infrastructure sectors. Other Gulf nations, meanwhile, are focused on strategic maritime security interests, aiming to ensure the safety of Somalia’s extensive 3330-kilometer coastline.
While various reports have indicated that the EU had earmarked €60 million, intended to be divided between Aussom and the Somali National Armed Forces, current discussions suggest that Brussels may consider a revised financial package for the AU mission. This potential adjustment underscores the evolving nature of international engagement and the critical need for sustained financial commitment to bolster peace and stability in Somalia.
