Mogadishu (KAAB TV) — The European Union, a longstanding primary funder of Somalia’s peacekeeping operations, has called for a more equitable distribution of financial and technical responsibilities among global and regional powers.
Officials in Brussels emphasized that influential actors — including the Gulf states, the United States, China, and key African nations — must begin contributing to the costs if the stabilization mission in Somalia is to be sustained.
The EU has shown signs of “donor fatigue,” signaling that Somalia’s future cannot rely solely on European generosity. As part of a strategic shift, the AU-led peacekeeping mission, AUSSOM, is transitioning from direct military intervention to a broader focus on technical support and the development of Somali government institutions.
Recent discussions held in Kampala have set the stage for transforming the mission into a new “soft stabilization” model. This approach prioritizes training, mentoring, and advisory roles over direct combat operations.
The outcomes of the Kampala talks will shape the agenda for the upcoming summit scheduled for early May. Key topics on the table include military reform, funding mechanisms, and post-ATMIS planning for Somalia’s security framework.