U.S. Withdraws Support for AU Peacekeeping Mission in Somalia

New York – April 17, 2025 – The United States has officially announced its decision to abstain from supporting the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2719, which outlines a new funding model for the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This move raises significant questions about the future of international efforts to stabilize Somalia and combat extremist groups like al-Shabaab.

Resolution 2719 proposes a hybrid funding arrangement for AUSSOM, transitioning from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). The U.S. expressed concerns that this model deviates from the “one mission, one budget” principle established in previous agreements. Specifically, the U.S. is apprehensive that the new framework could lead to the United Nations shouldering over 90% of the mission’s costs, undermining the intended shared financial responsibility between the UN and the African Union.

Despite abstaining from the vote, the U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to Somalia’s security and stability. A statement from the U.S. mission in New York emphasized ongoing support for Somalia and the African Union’s peace support operations, highlighting over $1.2 billion in annual bilateral assistance aimed at enhancing security, economic growth, and governance in Somalia.

The U.S. abstention comes at a critical juncture as ATMIS is set to conclude its mandate by December 31, 2024, with AUSSOM expected to take over thereafter. The transition has already faced challenges, including Burundi’s decision to withdraw from the upcoming mission due to disagreements over troop allocations. Burundi, a significant contributor to previous missions, cited concerns over its role in the leaner AUSSOM framework.

Somalia has also requested a delay in the withdrawal of African peacekeepers, fearing a security vacuum that could be exploited by al-Shabaab militants. The Somali government has expressed the need for additional time to bolster its security forces, which currently lack approximately 11,000 trained personnel.

The U.S. decision to withhold support for the new funding model adds to the complexities surrounding the transition to AUSSOM. As the international community grapples with financial constraints and differing visions for peacekeeping in Somalia, the future of the mission and the stability of the region remain uncertain.

*Sources: PassBlue, Eastleigh Voice, Hiiraanweyn, Reuters.*

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