Mogadishu (KAAB TV) – The United States government has once again declined to fund the African Union Mission in Somalia, citing ongoing concerns over the mission’s operational and financial structure. The funding in question amounts to $96 million, which was intended to support the mission’s activities, including paying troops.
According to diplomatic sources cited by Africa Intelligence, a recent meeting in Washington between U.S. officials and African Union (AU) representatives concluded with the U.S. reaffirming its position against providing financial support under the current framework.
This stance echoes that of American diplomats during a previous meeting in Kampala, where two U.S. representatives made it clear that the United States would not contribute unless significant reforms were made to the mission’s management and financial oversight systems.
In an effort to secure continued support, the AU sent a delegation to Washington to lobby for at least partial funding. However, the outcome appears to have fallen short of expectations, with no concrete commitments made by the U.S.
The AU peacekeeping force—formerly operating under ATMIS (African Union Transition Mission in Somalia)—is now facing a financial crisis. The mission is reportedly $96 million in debt, largely due to unpaid wages and labor costs. Several months of back pay remain outstanding for AU troops, raising serious concerns about morale and the long-term effectiveness of the operation.