US planning to end UN support for African Union mission in Somalia
The United States is planning to end its support for the United Nations office that provides logistics services to the African Union mission in Somalia, known as AUSSOM, starting in 2027. The decision has raised concerns about the future of the peacekeeping operation in the country.
The AUSSOM mission, which includes nearly 12,000 troops from African nations, relies heavily on UN support for transportation, fuel, food and medical services.
According to a report published by Reuters, the US believes progress in the fight against Al-Shabaab has not been as expected, and that internal political disputes in Somalia are hindering efforts to strengthen security. The US government has also said Somalia needs to gradually take on more responsibility for its own security.
Officials from the African Union have warned that without alternative funding and support, the AUSSOM mission could face major difficulties that may affect operations against Al-Shabaab.
Although the US has not opposed the UN Security Council extending the mission's mandate, it is against the UN continuing to provide logistics support for the operation.
The decision comes at a time when Somalia still faces security challenges, with Al-Shabaab remaining active in many parts of the country.
