In a statement following Somalia’s election to the council for the 2026–2028 term, AUSSOM said the outcome demonstrates Africa’s growing confidence in Somalia’s role in advancing the continent’s peace and security agenda.

AUSSOM noted that Somalia has made tangible progress in stabilization, security sector reform, and the rebuilding of state institutions, positioning the country as one with practical experience to contribute meaningfully to the council’s deliberations.

“This significant diplomatic milestone is a moment of great pride for Somalia and reflects the growing recognition of the country’s progress, leadership, and constructive engagement within the African Union,” said AUSSOM Head Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene.

Somalia’s election to the Peace and Security Council is widely regarded as a key diplomatic achievement, strengthening the country’s role on the continent’s political and security stage.

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The Council will also review the renewal of Security Council sanctions regime 2713 on Al-Shabaab—including the maritime arms embargo—which is set to expire on December 13.

This decision is linked to the mandate period of the Panel of Experts supporting the 2713 Sanctions Committee, whose term is scheduled to end on January 13, 2026.

These developments come at a time when AUSSOM is facing significant funding challenges that are affecting both the mission’s operations and those of the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS).

The financial constraints pose serious risks to ongoing security and stabilization efforts in the country. The African Union has recently urged the international community to urgently ensure predictable and sustainable funding so that AUSSOM personnel receive their salaries, logistical support, and operational resources.

AU officials have warned that continued funding shortages could undermine hard-won gains in the fight against Al-Shabaab and jeopardize the safety of areas already recovered from the group, putting the security of Somali communities at risk.

Countries supporting AUSSOM have been encouraged to increase their financial contributions to ensure that the mission remains unified, effective, and capable of helping Somalia achieve lasting peace.

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This includes $8 million (£6 million) for the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) and $22 million (£16.5 million) for the African Union Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), the AU’s peacekeeping operation.

The commitment reflects the UK’s ongoing role as a reliable partner to Somalia, working closely with the Federal Government of Somalia, the African Union, the UN, and Troop and Police Contributing Countries.

Somalia continues to face significant threats from Al-Shabaab, which has gained strength and taken control of large parts of central and southern regions. At the same time, AUSSOM faces operational constraints due to declining troop numbers and chronic underfunding.

The mission is in a severe financial crisis, with a 2025–2026 budget of $166.5 million, but only $16.7 million secured as of May 2025.

The United States has withdrawn direct funding over accountability concerns, and the EU has shown limited appetite for further large-scale commitments.

This has prompted efforts to secure alternative support from other international partners, including Japan, South Korea, and Middle Eastern countries, to prevent the mission’s collapse.

The UK’s $8 million contribution to UNSOS will provide Somali Security Forces with essential non-lethal support, including food rations, tents, medical supplies, and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), enabling them to conduct joint operations with AUSSOM.

UNSOS currently supports 18,900 Somali National Army and Police personnel across the country.

This latest contribution brings the UK’s total support to UNSOS since 2021 to over $58 million (£46 million).

The UK has also committed $22 million (£16.5 million) to AUSSOM, reinforcing Somalia’s transition to Somali-led security arrangements.

AUSSOM remains critical in supporting Somali and AU partners to tackle Al-Shabaab, stabilize newly recovered areas, and address regional insecurity drivers.

In a demonstration of global support, the UK co-hosted an AUSSOM Donor Conference with the Federal Government of Somalia, the African Union, and the UN during the UN General Assembly, bringing together a broad range of partners.

Since 2021, the UK has contributed nearly $140 million (£102.5 million) to AUSSOM and its predecessor missions, reflecting its long-term commitment to multilateral efforts for Somalia’s security.

“The UK has been a committed partner to Somalia for over a decade, recognising that its security is vital to regional stability and prosperity,” said Minister for Development Baroness Chapman.

“Today, we are continuing our support through this vital contribution to AUSSOM, reinforcing our investment in a future where trade thrives, communities flourish, and terrorism no longer threatens everyday life. African-led solutions, backed by global partners, work — and the UK is proud to support these efforts.”

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The soldier was reportedly shot by a member of the Ma’awisley militia from the Xawaadle clan while at a tea shop in the area.

According to local authorities, the incident followed a dispute between the Djiboutian soldier and a local woman at the shop.

“The Djiboutian soldier made sexually inappropriate remarks to the woman. A man from the Ma’awisley militia heard this and confronted him, warning him once and then again,” said Saalax Maxamed, a member of the local administration.

When the soldier repeated the comment, the man shot him twice in the head. The Djiboutian soldier died at the scene.

An eyewitness said the killer walked away after the shooting.

The Djiboutian military command in Beledweyne has not commented on the incident.

The identity of the soldier has not been released.

The incident has sparked widespread debate among Somalis, with many young people on social media condemning the soldier’s behavior as unacceptable for a foreign soldiers in the country.

However, there has also been criticism over the response, particularly the use of lethal force.

Djibouti contributes up to 1,520 troops to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

The Djiboutian contingent, part of Sector 4, is based in Beledweyne, the capital of Hiiraan region, and is also stationed in Buuloburde and Jalalaqsi.

In the past, African Union (AU) forces deployed in Somalia have faced multiple accusations of sexual violence and harassment against women.

Reports from various local communities and human rights organizations have highlighted incidents where women and girls were subjected to abuse, exploitation, and coercion by the AU troops, often with little accountability.

These allegations have fueled mistrust between local populations and peacekeeping forces, raising serious concerns about the protection of civilians.

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The delegation, led by Maj. Gen. Islam Radwan, Egypt’s Deputy Commander of the Second Field Army, was welcomed at Mogadishu airport by AUSSOM and Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) officers.

According to AUSSOM, the delegation later met with mission leaders, including SRCC and Head of Mission Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, and attended a security briefing at the AUSSOM Force Headquarters.

“The delegation will also inspect key facilities for deployment & logistics of Egyptian troops in Mogadishu and in the field,” AUSSOM said in a statement.

Egypt is reportedly planning to send up to 10,000 troops to Somalia, with 5,000 soldiers joining a new African Union peacekeeping force at the end of 2024 and another 5,000 to be deployed separately.

Analysts warn the deployment could heighten regional tensions.

The ongoing Ethiopia–Egypt dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has already strained bilateral relations.

Ethiopia, which has historically played a major role in Somali security, may view the Egyptian presence as a challenge to its influence.

Meanwhile, Somali regional states could perceive the foreign deployment with suspicion, increasing the risk of political friction or local instability.

A 16-member Egyptian Armed Forces delegation arrived in Mogadishu today for a reconnaissance mission before deploying a military contingent to AUSSOM.

Led by Maj. Gen. Islam Radwan, the delegation was welcomed by AUSSOM & Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) officers. They later… pic.twitter.com/xETjVqo7F0

— AUSSOM (@aussom_) August 31, 2025

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The helicopter was en route from the Baledogle military airbase when the incident occurred around 7:30 a.m.

In a statement, the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) confirmed that search and rescue operations are currently underway to retrieve the remaining crew and passengers.

Three of the eight individuals on board were rescued and rushed to the AUSSOM Level II hospital in Mogadishu for treatment.

It remains unclear how many crew members and passengers are still unaccounted for.

Thick smoke rose into the sky shortly after the crash.

An African Union helicopter operated by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) crash-landed early Wednesday morning near Aden Abdulle International Airport in Mogadishu, shortly before landing.

The helicopter was en route from the Baledogle military airbase when the incident… pic.twitter.com/VtNARZD5u7

— Kaab TV (@KaabTV) July 2, 2025

The impact caused a fire on the tarmac and partially closed the airport runway, according to Ahmed Hassan Moalim, Director of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority.

“Some flights were diverted. We still do not know what caused the crash. There were eight individuals on the crashed helicopter,” Moalim said.

One of the affected flights was a Turkish Airlines aircraft, which was on approach to Mogadishu but had to be diverted to Nairobi, airport officials confirmed.

While AUSSOM acknowledged that the helicopter departed from Baledogle, it did not disclose the cause of the crash.

Aviation authorities have launched an investigation.

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The village, situated in the Middle Shabelle region, is of strategic importance as it lies along the corridor between Mogadishu and Jowhar.

It had served as a Forward Operating Base (FOB) for the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), as well as a key defensive position for the Somali National Army (SNA) to prevent militant advances toward the capital and the state capital of Hirshabelle.

Local residents said heavily armed Al-Shabaab fighters entered the village Monday afternoon, hours after Burundian troops under AUSSOM withdrew due to rising floodwaters.

In a statement, AUSSOM confirmed the evacuation:

“Burundian troops stationed at Xawaadley Forward Operating Base, northeast of the capital, Mogadishu, have been safely evacuated due to heavy flooding in the area.”

The mission further disclosed that one of the helicopters involved in the evacuation experienced a technical malfunction but was able to land safely without incident.

“All troops and crew have been successfully evacuated to the nearest military base, and no casualties have been reported,” the statement added.

Kareem Adebayo, the Acting Special Representative of the African Union Commission Chairperson (SRCC) for Somalia said the Burundian soldiers were swiftly evaluated.

“We commend the swift action of the AUSSOM Burundian troops during the delicate operation and reaffirm our continued support to the people and the Federal Government of Somalia in mitigating the effects of the flooding.”

Following the troop withdrawal, Al-Shabaab militants reportedly took control of both the AU and Somali military installations in Xawaadley.

The takeover has caused panic in nearby Jowhar town — the administrative capital of Hirshabelle State — with sources telling Kaab TV that Hirshabelle President Ali Abdullahi Hussein has recently vacated the presidential palace in Jowhar due to security concerns and is currently in Mogadishu.

With Jowhar located just 90 kilometers from the capital, the fall of Xawaadley raises alarm over the potential disruption of civilian and commercial movement along the vital Mogadishu–Jowhar route.

Residents report that Al-Shabaab fighters have already begun setting up roadblocks and patrolling surrounding rural areas.

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Sources close to Villa Somalia told Kaab TV that the request was made in response to increased Al-Shabaab activity in the Hirshabelle, at a time when the new African Union-led peacekeeping mission, AUSSOM (African Union Somalia Support Mission), remains underfunded and stalled.

Somalia Federal Government is wary that AUSSOM has yet to secure the necessary funding.

African nations are reportedly unable to shoulder the mission’s financial burden, and the United States has also declined to fully fund the operation.

Meanwhile, Burundian troops previously stationed near the town of Jowhar, the seat of Hirshabelle State, have reportedly withdrawn, creating a security vacuum.

President Museveni has firmly refused to replace the departing Burundian forces with Ugandan troops, a decision that could further destabilize the region.

In a surprising move, Burundian forces exited Garsaale—a strategic area that secures the airport in Jowhar.

Security officials in Hirshabelle’s Ministry of Security told Kaab TV that they were not informed of the Burundian troop withdrawal in advance.

The Burundi forces also vacated another key outpost near Jowhar that played a vital role in the city’s overall security.

The government of Burundi previously announced its intention to withdraw its forces from Somalia, citing dissatisfaction with how troops were allocated under the 2025 AUSSOM mission—an operation still lacking financial backing.

In recent weeks, Al-Shabaab has intensified its presence in parts of Middle Shabelle, seizing control of areas such as Masaajid Cali Guduud, Al-Kowthar, and Aadan Yabaal.

The group has also disrupted security along the road between Jowhar and Mogadishu, and entered the town of Balcad—just 30 kilometers from Mogadishu—at the end of March.

The unexpected withdrawal of Burundian forces has sparked fears among Jowhar residents, who now worry about the implications of the security vacuum left behind.

Jowhar is the capital of the Hirshabelle regional administration.

So far, Hirshabelle authorities have not announced a plan to fill the gaps left by the Burundian troops, whose presence had been critical to maintaining stability in the area.

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The Burundian forces, part of the African Union Mission (AU mission), were based in Garsaale — a strategically important area for the protection of Jowhar’s airport.

Their unexpected withdrawal has reportedly taken local authorities by surprise.

Officials from Hirshabelle’s Ministry of Security told Kaab TV that they were not informed in advance about the Burundian troops’ departure.

These forces also vacated another post near the city that was vital to maintaining general security in Jowhar.

Burundi had earlier announced plans to pull its troops from Somalia, citing dissatisfaction with how troop quotas for the new AUSSOM (African Union Support Mission in Somalia) 2025 operation were allocated — an initiative that has yet to receive funding.

Meanwhile, Al-Shabaab militants have recently intensified their activities in parts of Middle Shabelle, seizing areas like Masaajid Cali Guduud, Al-Kowthar, and Aadan Yabaal.

The group has also disrupted transport routes between Jowhar and Mogadishu, entering Balcad district — just 30 km from Mogadishu — in late March.

The troop withdrawal has alarmed residents of Jowhar, who fear for their safety now that key defensive positions around the city are unguarded.

Jowhar serves as the administrative capital of the Hirshabelle State.

So far, Hirshabelle authorities have not announced any plan to secure the vacated positions formerly held by the Burundian forces.

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Military officials from South West State said the clash began at dawn when Al-Shabaab fighters launched a surprise attack on a military base in Baay Burjeed manned by regional troops.

The confrontation resulted in deaths and injuries on both sides.

In an official statement, the South West State government confirmed that its forces had repelled the attack and dealt a significant blow to Al-Shabaab.

The statement also noted that bodies believed to be those of Al-Shabaab fighters were brought to Baidoa after the fighting.

Officials also confirmed the loss of several South West State officers during the confrontation.

Following the attack, residents of Baidoa and regional security forces gathered in the city center to express their support and celebrate what they described as a military victory.

The assault reportedly began with explosions targeting the military outpost before an armed assault ensued.

Security forces said they repelled the attack, killing and wounding several of the attackers.

“The Council of Ministers praised the Armed Forces for defeating the surprise assault launched by the Khawarij Al-Shabaab on army and Darawish positions near Baidoa,” read a statement from the South West State presidency.

President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Laftagareen) later visited frontline troops in Baidoa to commend their efforts and encourage them to continue defending the region.

“We will hunt them down everywhere — in villages, towns, wherever they try to hide,” president Laftagareen declared.

Al-Shabaab, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the Somali government, the United Nations, and other international actors, has intensified its operations across southern and central Somalia in recent months.

The group has regained control over various areas in Hiiraan, Middle Shabelle, and Lower Shabelle.

Despite ongoing military operations, Al-Shabaab maintains control over many rural areas and key roads in South West State, restricting civilian travel.

However, reports from towns such as Xudur, Diinsoor, and Waajid suggest that the group has recently begun allowing public vehicles to use certain routes leading to Baidoa.

It remains unclear whether this shift is part of a broader strategy by Al-Shabaab to expand its influence and territorial control in southern and central Somalia.

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