Senior African Union officials are meeting today in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to discuss the future of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) as the peace operation faces mounting financial challenges and uncertainty over its long-term sustainability.
The high-level meeting, taking place at the African Union headquarters, will examine options for the future of AUSSOM amid growing concerns over dwindling international funding and Somalia’s readiness to gradually assume full responsibility for national security.
The Federal Government of Somalia has been formally invited to participate through its embassy in Addis Ababa.
The outcome of today’s discussions is expected to shape a larger summit scheduled for July 31 in Kampala, Uganda, where African leaders are expected to make key decisions regarding the future of the mission, including its funding, mandate and possible transition plans.
Somalia is expected to present updates on efforts to strengthen the Somali National Army and its preparedness to gradually take over security responsibilities currently shared with AUSSOM forces.
Government officials are also expected to outline plans for assuming control of military bases that could eventually be vacated by African Union troops.
The meeting comes amid intensified diplomatic efforts by Somalia to secure continued international support for the mission.
In recent weeks, the Federal Government has held consultations with international partners on security cooperation and contingency planning should African Union forces begin a phased withdrawal.
On July 20, British Ambassador to Somalia Charles King met with the Head of AUSSOM, Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, to discuss the mission’s future, Somalia’s current security situation, and recent political and financial developments affecting the operation.
According to AUSSOM, the two officials emphasized the importance of continued international cooperation to support Somali-led peace, security and stabilization efforts, while reviewing the mission’s operational environment and the challenges it faces.
The discussions come as AUSSOM approaches the end of its current mandate on December 31, 2026.
Any extension of the mission is expected to depend on decisions by the UN Security Council, the availability of sustainable funding, and renewed commitments from African troop-contributing countries.
Today’s Addis Ababa meeting is widely seen as a critical step in determining whether AUSSOM will continue beyond its current mandate or begin planning for a gradual transition of security responsibilities to Somali forces.