US Blocks UN Funding for AU Peace Mission in Somalia

The United States has moved to block United Nations funding for the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia, a decision that could effectively end the long-running peacekeeping operation and leave the Somali federal government more vulnerable to insurgent threats.

In a diplomatic note to the African Union seen by Reuters, Washington vowed to prevent any UN spending on the mission, known as AUSSOM. The mission’s budget last year stood at $190 million, but financing has become increasingly difficult, resulting in a significant shortfall. The US is a major contributor to the UN Support Office in Somalia, whose overall budget is projected to exceed $500 million this year.

The African Union has informed members of its Peace and Security Council of the US decision, warning of serious implications for the future of the mission. The force, which includes troops from Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and other nations, has been supporting the Somali government since 2009 and relies heavily on UN logistics, medical services and troop transportation.

The withdrawal comes as President Donald Trump has grown increasingly hostile toward Somalia, blaming the government for issues related to Somali migrants in the United States and imposing a travel ban on the country.

The development threatens to undermine years of international efforts to stabilise Somalia and combat al-Shabaab, which continues to launch attacks across the region. African Union officials are now assessing how to respond to the funding crisis, with options likely to include seeking alternative donors or scaling down operations.

The latest US position adds to the challenges facing the Somali government as it struggles to extend its authority beyond Mogadishu while managing internal political tensions and security threats.