Mogadishu (KAAB TV) – The United States has openly rejected a United Nations proposal to fund the AUSSOM peacekeeping forces operating in Somalia, raising serious concerns about the future of international efforts against the terrorist group Al-Shabaab.
This opposition comes ahead of a crucial United Nations Security Council vote scheduled for May 15, which seeks to establish a joint financial framework for peacekeeping operations under Resolution 2719.
Initially, the U.S. remained silent on earlier requests to fund AUSSOM. However, on April 8, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State told PassBlue that Somalia is not an appropriate candidate for the proposed joint funding model outlined in the resolution.
The spokesperson described the proposed system as ineffective in addressing existing challenges, but declined to elaborate on how the U.S. plans to approach the upcoming vote.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres echoed concern in a report to the Security Council on April 10, warning that the current funding shortfall poses a significant threat to AUSSOM’s operations. He urged the international community to support the financial plan, stressing the need for a sustainable and predictable funding mechanism to maintain peace and stability in Somalia.