Somalia’s Security Transition Hinges on Urgent Funding, AU Official Warns at UNGA Side Event
New York, NY – Somalia’s hard-won gains in stability adn international recognition are at risk without a significant influx of sustained financial support, the Chairperson of the african Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud ali Youssouf, warned today at a high-level event on the sidelines of the 79th united Nations General Assembly (#UNGA79). The event, co-convened by the Somali government, the African Union, the united nations, and the United Kingdom, focused on financing the African Union Support Office in Somalia (AUSSOM).
Youssouf lauded Somalia’s recent achievements,highlighting the nation’s progress in securing debt relief and gaining membership on the UN Security Council.he also acknowledged the considerable sacrifices made by the African Union forces and international partners in supporting Somalia’s stabilization efforts.
However, the AUC Chairperson cautioned that despite these positive developments, Somalia remains a fragile state. The persistent threat posed by the Al-Shabaab militant group continues to destabilize the region, and the country cannot address this challenge independently.
“Despite the remarkable progress,fragility persists,” Youssouf stated. “Somalia cannot shoulder this burden alone.”
AUSSOM, envisioned as the AU’s final security operation in Somalia and a crucial step towards full Somali ownership of it’s security apparatus, requires $196 million in funding for 2025. The African Union has demonstrated its commitment by doubling its contribution to the Peace Fund to $20 million. Youssouf emphasized that this commitment, however, is insufficient without “urgent, predictable, and sustainable financing” from the international community.
He stressed that AUSSOM represents a pivotal moment - a bridge to a future where Somalia can achieve complete sovereignty, stability, and prosperity, ending its reliance on external security assistance.
“AUSSOM is not an open-ended mission,” Youssouf affirmed. “With adequate support, it can close the chapter of dependency and usher in a new era…”
The AUC Chairperson called on the United Nations, the European Union, and all international partners to match the commitment demonstrated by both the African union and the Somali government, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who chaired the meeting. He concluded with a powerful plea: ”Together, let us ensure that Somalia’s future is defined by hope, not relapse.”
The high-level event brought together ministers from countries contributing troops to the AU mission and partner nations actively supporting Somalia’s ongoing stabilization process.
Keywords: Somalia, African Union, AUSSOM, UNGA, UN security Council, Al-Shabaab, Security, Funding, Debt Relief, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, African Union Support Office in Somalia, Somalia Security, International Aid.
