Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is staring at a severe financial gap of nearly USD 180 million for 2025, raising alarm over the sustainability of its operations in the Horn of Africa nation.
The mission, which officially replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) earlier this year, was mandated to continue supporting Somalia’s security forces in their fight against Al-Shabaab while facilitating a gradual transition to full national ownership of security. However, the looming budget crisis threatens to undermine progress made on the battlefield and jeopardize stabilization efforts.
Ethiopia, one of the main troop-contributing countries, has sounded the alarm, calling on international partners to urgently step up their commitments. Addis Ababa emphasized that without predictable and reliable funding, the mission risks being unable to carry out essential operations, leaving Somali forces exposed and communities vulnerable to extremist resurgence.
In its appeal, Ethiopia also highlighted the need to operationalize UN Security Council Resolution 2719, adopted in December 2023, which calls for more sustainable and predictable financing of African Union-led peace support operations. The resolution was seen as a breakthrough for burden-sharing, but its implementation has faced delays amid competing global crises and donor fatigue.
Security analysts warn that the shortfall could trigger a premature drawdown of forces, weakening frontline positions and reversing fragile security gains. Somalia continues to face a high tempo of Al-Shabaab attacks, while also grappling with climate-driven displacement and humanitarian crises that strain its institutions.
Diplomats note that bridging the funding gap will require renewed commitment from traditional partners such as the European Union, the United States, and Gulf states, alongside wider international burden-sharing. Without it, AUSSOM’s mandate risks being curtailed at a time when Somalia’s security transition is at its most delicate stage.