Somalia Says It Still Needs Global Support Amid Persistent Al-Shabaab Threats

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Federal Republic of Somalia says it still needs support from international partners as it strives to promote order and stability following years of civil war and, most recently, the Al-Shabaab menace and ISIS troubles in the northern region.

Ali Mohamed Omar, the minister of state and international cooperation, said the country needs support to effectively implement the transition to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which was initiated in January 2025.

In Kampala, the minister paid tribute to the AUSSOM team, which is credited with stability in the Horn of Africa nation, while insisting that more has to be done to navigate through the difficult transition in the country.

“Your commitment and the bravery of your troops have written a chapter of African solidarity that history will never forget,” he said, honoring those who lost their lives advancing Somalia’s stability.

AUSSOM, he said, will eventually help Somalia to empower local security forces who are set to take over security responsibilities once the foreign troops leave. Al-Shabaab, he said, remains the biggest threat to the country's security.

“We have made strides, but security gaps persist,” he said, urging TCCs to bolster Quick Reaction Forces and intensify coordinated military offensives, particularly after a surge in attacks across Middle and Lower Shabelle.

Somalia now calls for sustainable funding mechanisms, advocating for the full implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 2719 and the Hybrid Model. He also called for fresh financing streams through the African Union Peace Fund and private sector partnerships.

“Somalia is committed to standing on its own, but no nation defeats terrorism alone,” Omar said. “The Somali people believe in African solidarity. Together, we will deliver lasting peace for Somalia and the entire Horn of Africa.”

The Troops Contributing Countries now want to increase the number of troops by 8,000 from the current 11,900, which was capped by the multinational financiers who are responsible for the payment of soldiers and other non-uniformed staff under AUSSOM.

GAROWE ONLINE