During the 47th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council, leaders approved a significant increase in peacekeeping support for Somalia, doubling the AU Peace Fund allocation to $20 million for 2025.
The decision, made in response to mounting international funding gaps, aims to strengthen Somalia’s transition to a new stabilization mission.
AUSSOM: Somalia’s New Peace Support Mission
The funding boost will support the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which officially replaced ATMIS in January 2025.
Unlike its predecessor, AUSSOM is a non-combat mission focused on Somali-led security operations, coordination, and capacity-building.
The officials of the African Union Executive Council emphasized that the additional $10 million—sourced from the Crisis Reserve Facility—will help prevent operational disruptions and reinforce joint command structures established in June between Mogadishu and the AU.
Global Funding Challenges and U.S. Withdrawal
Despite the AU’s increased commitment, AUSSOM’s financial future remains uncertain.
The United Nations has pledged to cover up to 75% of the mission’s projected $166.5 million annual cost. However, the United States has opted out, citing concerns over oversight and sustainability.
This marks a major shift in U.S. policy, as Washington previously contributed over €2 billion to AMISOM and ATMIS between 2007 and 2020.
The AU has warned that without full funding, Somalia could face serious security gaps.
AU Peace Fund Reform and Long-Term Goals
The AU Peace Fund, restructured in 2016 to reduce reliance on external donors, aims to reach $400 million in member contributions.
Yet, African-led missions like ATMIS continue to depend heavily on EU and UN support.
Past funding delays—such as Ugandan troop pay gaps between 2018 and 2022—highlight the risks of unpredictable financing and underscore the urgency of diversifying AU financial sources.
