African Union council assesses Somalia security mission and funding challenges

ADDIS ABABA — The African Union’s Peace and Security Council (PSC) convened a special meeting on Thursday to review the evolving situation in Somalia and assess the operations of the African Union Mission for Support and Stabilization in Somalia (AUSSOM).

Discussions during the meeting focused on recent political developments in Somalia as well as the challenging financial conditions facing the mission and potential strategies to address them.

Algeria’s ambassador to the African Union and permanent representative, Mohamed Khalid, reaffirmed his country’s support for Somalia’s stability and its commitment to backing ongoing peace efforts. Khalid stressed Algeria’s readiness, as a PSC member, to continue supporting the Federal Government of Somalia in counterterrorism efforts and broader peacebuilding initiatives, in coordination with regional and international partners.

The ambassador also highlighted the importance of identifying consensus-based solutions to the financial challenges confronting AUSSOM, emphasizing that such measures are crucial for enabling Somalia to gradually assume full responsibility for its national security. He noted the responsibility of the UN Security Council to ensure sustained funding for the mission.

The AU Commission presented several options for the future of AUSSOM aimed at helping Somalia achieve stability and strengthen state institutions. These proposals will undergo further review in consultation with contributing countries and the AU Military Staff Committee before being forwarded to the PSC.

The African Union’s Peace and Security Council is expected to issue a communiqué on the matter in the near future.

GAROWE ONLINE