MOGADISHU (SD) – The African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSOM), which replaced ATMIS, is struggling with critical funding shortages. The mission, launched on January 1, 2025, requires $190 million annually but has secured only $20.7 million, 9% of its needed budget.

Contributions received include $16.7 million from the African Union Peace Fund, $3 million from Japan, and $1 million from China.

A planned financing system between the African Union (25%) and the United Nations (75%) has been delayed until July 1, 2025, leaving AUSOM without stable funding for six months. The United States has refused to financially support the mission, arguing that the agreed-upon conditions were unmet. This led the U.S. to abstain during the UN Security Council vote approving the mission.

Somalia, already dealing with an intensified offensive against Al-Shabaab, now faces additional security risks due to AUSOM’s financial instability. Without urgent international support, the mission’s operations—and Somalia’s security progress—could be severely compromised.