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The United States has withdrawn direct funding over accountability concerns, and the EU has shown limited appetite for further large-scale commitments.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 UK announced an additional $3.9 million contribution to the United Nations-administered SSF Trust Fund.

The Trust Fund, managed by the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), currently supports 18,900 personnel from the Somali National Army and Somali Police Force.

In 2024 alone, UK funding enabled UNSOS to deliver 6,000 tons of food rations and 2,000 tons of diesel fuel to the SSF, along with providing casualty evacuations (CASEVAC) for hundreds of wounded personnel.

The latest contribution will ensure continued delivery of this vital logistical support.

UNSOS requires a minimum of $2 million per month to support the planned increase in SSF personnel from 18,900 to 20,900, as outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 2767 (2024).

Additional funding is urgently needed, especially for UNSOS’s life-saving CASEVAC operations during ongoing military campaigns.

The UK reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Somalia’s security transition, emphasizing the importance of enabling UNSOS to continue its essential support to the SSF.

Outgoing British Ambassador to Somalia, Mike Nithavrianakis, says the contribution shows The UK is a firm friend of Somalia and at this vital moment.

“I’m proud to be announcing further funding to support the fight against violent extremists. I encourage other partners to contribute to the UNSOS SSF Trust Fund, to support the brave Somali Security Forces and to ensure a safe and secure future for all Somalis and the region,” Nithavrianakis said.

Somalia’s National Security Advisor, Hussein Sheikh Ali, also emphasized the importance of the Trust Fund and the government’s commitment to using it responsibly.

“The logistical support provided by UNSOS has been significant for the Somali Security Forces, particularly in CASEVAC and MEDEVAC. We urge donors to increase funding in 2025 as the FGS continues to generate new forces,” said Mr. Ali.

Theft of food and fuel

Somalia has a history of aid diversion, including theft of food and fuel intended for its security forces, provided by international partners.

Last year, the U.S. government cut rations and fuel support to the elite Danab forces after Washington discovered that supplies had been misappropriated.

However, Somalia’s National Security Advisor, Hussein Sheikh Ali, says the government is committed to doing better this time.

“I reiterate the Somali government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and adherence to international standards in the use of these resources,” said Hussein Sheikh Ali.

The Head of UNSOS, Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, praised the UK’s continued support while the air evacuation remains vital for injured soldiers.

“I remain grateful to the UK Government for its steadfast support of the SSF during the ongoing transition. CASEVAC operations have saved lives and boosted the morale of the Somali forces. It is crucial to have a reliable, predictable Trust Fund, and I urge partners to also contribute as we support Somalia’s security transition,” said Kacyira.

This latest UK contribution builds on earlier funding, bringing the total UK support to more than $50 million since 2021. In February 2025, the UK contributed £5 million, following earlier donations of £5 million in September 2024, £2.75 million in April 2024, £5 million in January 2024, and £5 million in December 2023.

The funding comes at a time of growing concern, as Al-Shabaab militants have advanced toward Mogadishu, the Somali capital. The group has begun encircling the city, raising fears of a possible assault and the potential for the capital to fall under militant control.

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