Brussels, Belgium – The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), officially launched in January 2025 to replace ATMIS, now faces a precarious future due to unresolved funding issues and growing donor fatigue.

The European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS) has warned that persistent disagreements at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and reduced enthusiasm among international donors—particularly the European Union—could jeopardize the mission.

The EU, which has contributed approximately €4.3 billion to Somalia’s security since 2007, reiterated its strong commitment to multilateral peacekeeping. However, it admitted facing increasing pressure following the United States’ firm opposition to fully implementing UNSC Resolution 2719, which would authorize up to 75% of AUSSOM’s funding through UN-assessed contributions.

The EU underscored its continued support via civilian missions such as EUTM Somalia, EUCAP Somalia, and EUNAVFOR Atalanta, but warned that the funding dispute could undermine international unity and effectiveness.

US Bilateral Support Sparks Concern
While the United States continues to provide bilateral aid to Somalia, EU officials expressed concerns that this parallel approach could fragment efforts and weaken the broader international response.

“Funding disputes risk delaying or even derailing the mission at a time when Somalia critically needs security,” the EUISS report stated.

Political Disputes Delayed Rollout
AUSSOM’s rollout was already delayed due to tensions between troop-contributing countries and the Somali government—particularly over the participation of Ethiopian troops, following a controversial Ethiopia-Somaliland agreement. Although Turkey brokered a partial resolution, a major funding gap remains, estimated in the tens of millions of euros.

The European Union is now calling on Gulf nations and Turkey to support a joint multilateral initiative rather than pursuing separate bilateral deals. It also emphasized the upcoming April 2025 donor conference in Qatar as a critical opportunity to secure financial backing for the mission.

AUSSOM, comprising troops from Egypt, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, and Uganda, is expected to finalize its military integration by June 30, 2025. Its success, however, will heavily depend on reliable and sustained funding from international partners.