The African Union and the European Union have warned that financial and operational difficulties facing their mission in Somalia could put recent security gains at risk.

In a joint communiqué issued after their 17th annual consultative meeting in Addis Ababa, the two organisations called for predictable and sustainable financing for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, known as AUSSOM. They said the mission's funding and operational challenges could affect ongoing operations and undermine progress made against the militant group al-Shabab.

The meeting brought together the AU Peace and Security Council and the EU Political and Security Committee. The two sides praised Somalia's federal government, AUSSOM and the countries contributing troops and police for their efforts against terrorism, but cautioned that financial constraints could weaken the mission's ability to sustain that pressure.

To address the shortfall, the organisations urged international partners to provide adequate, predictable and long-term funding for African Union-led peace support operations, including through United Nations-assessed contributions. They pointed to UN Security Council Resolution 2719, the African Union Peace Fund and contributions from international partners as possible financing mechanisms.

The communiqué also called for a Somali-led assessment of the anticipated drawdown of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia, known as UNSOS, and its potential impact on security operations. The expected reduction in UN logistical support adds another constraint on a mission already under financial pressure.

AUSSOM replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia in January 2025, continuing international efforts to support Somali security forces against al-Shabab.

[Source: shabellemedia.com](https://shabellemedia.com/au-eu-warn-somalias-security-gains-at-risk-over-aussom-funding/) | [Source: radiogeneration.co.ke](https://radiogeneration.co.ke/sudan-drc-and-sahel-crises-top-au-eu-security-meeting-in-addis-ababa-48729)