MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – The United Kingdom has announced over $30 million (£22.5 million) in funding to support Somalia’s security transition.
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The United States has withdrawn direct funding over accountability concerns, and the EU has shown limited appetite for further large-scale commitments.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.”