AU Appeals for 196 Million USD to Support Somalia's Security Transition

Addis Ababa, September 26, 2025 (ENA) - African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has appealed to international partners for 196 million USD in funding for 2025 to support the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), warning that without urgent financial support, Somalia's hard-won gains could be reversed.

Speaking at a High-Level Event on Financing AUSSOM held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, Youssouf commended Somalia's remarkable progress, including achieving debt relief and gaining UN Security Council membership. He also acknowledged the sacrifices of AU forces and international partners.

However, he cautioned that despite these gains, fragility persists, Al-Shabaab continues to threaten peace, and Somalia cannot shoulder this burden alone.

The Chairperson underscored that AUSSOM will require 196 million USD in 2025. The AU has already doubled its contribution to the Peace Fund to 20 million USD, demonstrating Africa’s resolve.

Yet, he warned that “without urgent, predictable, & sustainable financing, hard-won achievements risk being undone.”

The Chairperson also stressed that AUSSOM is not an open-ended mission; it is the AU’s final operation in Somalia and a bridge to full Somali ownership of its security. “With adequate support, it can close the chapter of dependency and usher in a new era of sovereignty, stability, and prosperity,” Youssouf underscored.

He further reaffirmed the AU’s commitment, noting that Somalia is equally committed, and called on the UN, EU, and all international partners to match this determination. “Together, let us ensure that Somalia’s future is defined by hope, not relapse,” he urged.

The meeting, chaired by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of the Federal Republic of Somalia, brought together ministers from troop-contributing countries and partner nations supporting Somalia’s stabilisation.