Several African Union member states warned that the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) cannot continue indefinitely, urging the Federal Government of Somalia to accelerate efforts to build the capacity of the Somali National Security Forces (SNSF) so they can fully assume responsibility for the country’s security.
According to a report published by The East African, representatives from Cameroon and Gabon told African Union discussions that every peace support mission must have a clear exit strategy and stressed that Somalia should prepare for the eventual withdrawal of foreign troops.
They emphasized that long-term stability depends on the country’s ability to independently secure its territory and institutions.
The debate comes amid growing uncertainty over the future of AUSSOM, particularly regarding its financing. Concerns have intensified after the United States signaled its opposition to continuing United Nations-funded support for the mission beyond 2027, raising questions about the sustainability of the operation and prompting African Union members to explore alternative funding arrangements.
The East African reported that AU member states are now discussing a roadmap for gradually transferring security responsibilities to Somali forces while balancing the country’s ongoing security challenges and the financial constraints facing the mission.
Officials reportedly agree that any transition must be carefully managed to avoid creating security gaps that could be exploited by Al-Shabaab.
AUSSOM was launched in 2025, replacing the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
Its mandate is to support Somalia’s security forces, help stabilize areas recovered from Al-Shabaab, and facilitate the gradual handover of security responsibilities to Somali authorities as the country works toward self-reliance.
The latest discussions underscore increasing pressure on Somalia and its international partners to develop a credible transition plan, as concerns grow that uncertainty over funding and the future of foreign troop deployments could affect ongoing security operations against Al-Shabaab and broader stabilization efforts across the country.
