Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has questioned Somalia’s preparedness to assume full responsibility for national security once the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) begins drawing down, warning that political divisions and corruption could undermine recent security gains and create opportunities for Al-Shabaab.
Speaking on Somalia’s political and security situation, Sharif, who now chairs the Somali Future Council, said the country must undertake an honest assessment of its military capabilities as well as its political and economic conditions before taking over full security responsibilities from AUSSOM.
“There must be a realistic assessment of Somalia’s military capabilities and the country’s political and economic situation,” Sharif said.
The former president cautioned that Somalia risks repeating the circumstances that preceded the collapse of Afghanistan if underlying political problems remain unresolved.
He argued that political fragmentation, weak governance, and corruption pose a greater long-term threat than military shortcomings alone.
“If these issues are not addressed, they will weaken state institutions and the military, creating conditions that could allow Al-Shabaab to take control,” he said.
Sharif also accused the Federal Government of diverting security forces from the fight against Al-Shabaab to address domestic political disputes, arguing that such decisions weaken military effectiveness and undermine the country’s broader counterterrorism efforts.
He urged Somali political leaders to prioritize dialogue, reconciliation, and an inclusive political settlement, saying lasting stability depends not only on military operations but also on functioning state institutions, national consensus, and security forces capable of independently protecting the country.
Sharif’s remarks come as leaders of countries contributing troops to AUSSOM meet in Kampala, Uganda, for a three-day summit to determine the future of the African Union mission amid mounting financial uncertainty.
The summit, held from July 29–31, brings together leaders from Burundi, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and Uganda, alongside senior officials from the African Union, the United Nations, and IGAD.
Participants are discussing the future of the mission, Somalia’s security transition, and options for securing sustainable long-term funding.
The meeting comes at a critical time for AUSSOM, which replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in January 2025. The mission continues to support Somali security forces in operations against Al-Shabaab while helping stabilize areas recovered from the militant group.
However, AUSSOM is facing growing financial pressure following the United States’ decision to end funding for the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) after December 2026.
Because UNSOS provides essential logistical support—including food, fuel, transportation, medical services, and casualty evacuation—for roughly 12,000 peacekeepers, officials warn that the mission’s effectiveness could be significantly reduced unless alternative funding is secured.
The outcome of the Kampala summit is expected to shape future decisions on AUSSOM’s financing, the pace of Somalia’s security transition, and the timeline for transferring full responsibility for national security to Somali forces.