Saturday July 5, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali government has reiterated its
appeal for stronger international backing of the African Union Transition
Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), urging both sustained financial support and
long-term funding solutions critical to the country’s stabilization.
Speaking during a virtual ministerial session of the African
Union Peace and Security Council, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali
Mohamed Omar emphasized the urgent need for a dedicated AUSSOM Financing
Conference. He proposed that a partner nation from the Gulf region could host
the event to help create sustainable funding frameworks and promote transparent
financial oversight.
“We are calling on all African Union member states to
contribute more significantly through the AU Peace Fund,” said Omar. “Greater
African ownership will not only inspire international confidence but also
ensure the success of AUSSOM—currently the largest peace operation on the
continent.”
Despite the operational importance of AUSSOM, the United
Nations is still seeking an additional $41.6 million in extra-budgetary
contributions to maintain the mission. The need comes amid continued threats
from al-Shabaab militants and Somalia’s fragile political environment.
AUSSOM’s initial annual budget was projected at $190.2
million. However, the decision to maintain the current troop reimbursement rate
of $828 per soldier per month—rather than increasing it to $1,000—reduced the
revised budget to $166.5 million.
Minister Omar also conveyed Somalia’s condolences following
the death of five Ugandan peacekeepers in a helicopter crash in Mogadishu on
July 2. He extended sympathy to the victims’ families, the government of
Uganda, and the wider AUSSOM community.
“Their sacrifice will not be forgotten,” Omar said.
AUSSOM replaced ATMIS mission in 2025 as part of a
restructured plan to gradually transition security responsibilities to Somali
forces.