WASHINGTON (SD) – The U.S. government has officially informed the African Union that it will stop supporting the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) when the AUSSOM mission ends on December 31, 2026., citing Somalia’s limited progress in assuming responsibility for its own national security.

According to a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa addressed to the African Union, Washington said it would not oppose the renewal of AUSSOM’s mandate by the UN Security Council under Chapter VII of the UN Charter through the end of the current mandate.

However, the United States stated that it will not support any future extension of UN-funded logistical, technical, or operational assistance for AUSSOM or similar international support missions in Somalia beyond that period.

The U.S. said it has invested billions of dollars in Somalia’s security sector since 2007 but concluded that Somali authorities have not made sufficient progress toward assuming full responsibility for national security or defeating the militant group Al-Shabaab.

Washington also expressed concern over the slow pace of security sector reform, including efforts to strengthen the capabilities of the Somali National Army and transfer security responsibilities from international forces to Somali institutions.

The United States called on the Federal Government of Somalia, federal member states, and all political stakeholders to overcome their differences, strengthen cooperation, and work toward building a self-reliant and stable Somalia capable of reducing its dependence on international assistance.

The decision signals a significant shift in U.S. policy toward Somalia’s security transition. If implemented as announced, it could increase pressure on Somali authorities and international partners to develop alternative funding arrangements while accelerating efforts to strengthen Somalia’s own security institutions amid the continuing threat posed by Al-Shabaab.