Somalia races to secure post-AU troop presence as U.S. funding cut looms

MOGADISHU – Somalia's federal government is seeking to persuade regional countries with troops deployed in the country to adopt a new security arrangement that would allow some forces to remain under bilateral agreements after the current African Union mission ends, according to officials familiar with the discussions.

The proposal would see selected troop-contributing countries commit to keeping their forces in Somalia beyond December 2026 through direct agreements with Mogadishu, rather than under the African Union framework, in an effort to prevent a potential security vacuum.

The move comes after the United States decided to end its financial support for Somalia's security mission, raising concerns over the future funding of foreign troops operating in the country.

Officials said the Somali government is also seeking financial backing from an Arab state to help fund the proposed bilateral arrangements. Although confidence in securing such support remains limited, recent discussions are said to have shown some progress.

However, the funding plan has raised concerns among some officials, who fear it could mirror previous challenges linked to externally financed security forces, including arrangements under which the United Arab Emirates paid stipends to Somali troops.

According to the officials, the proposed framework has already been discussed with two countries that currently contribute troops to Somalia. Meanwhile, Villa Somalia is reportedly seeking talks with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to secure the deployment of about 2,000 Ugandan troops under a bilateral arrangement to protect the heavily fortified Halane compound and other key government installations.

The Somali government has not publicly commented on the reported proposal.

GAROWE ONLINE