US funding halt threatens AU peacekeepers and Somalia's fight against Al-Shabab
A leaked note shows the United States will block UN funding for UNSOS, jeopardizing the African Union mission that helps Somalia hold ground against Al-Shabab.
A diplomatic leak from early July reveals the United States intends to stop its United Nations funding for UNSOS, the agency that provides fuel, food, medical evacuation and transport to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The mission, now operating with just under 12,000 troops, has been vital for holding territory cleared of Al-Shabab after a major 2023 offensive, but the insurgent group’s Ramadan-timed counter-offensive has already rolled back many gains.
Somali forces, described as light infantry, struggle to maintain control without the better-armed AU peacekeepers, and analysts warn that without UNSOS logistics the troops could become “sitting ducks.” Ongoing political infighting between the federal government and autonomous states further hampers a coordinated response. While Turkey, the UAE, Israel, the EU and other actors have deep strategic interests in Somalia’s stability, no substitute funding has been pledged. Experts say the funding cut could either trigger a collapse of the AU mission or force a rushed political settlement to keep the force operational.
