MALABO – The African Union has announced it will double its funding allocation to Somalia in 2025, approving an additional $10 million to support the transition from ATMIS to the new AUSSOM peace support operation.
The decision was made during the AU Executive Council’s 47th Ordinary Session, held in Malabo on July 10–11. The move raises the AU’s total contribution to Somalia for 2025 to $20 million, drawn from the AU Peace Fund’s Crisis Reserve Facility.
The new funds are earmarked for AUSSOM (the African Union Stabilization Support Operation in Somalia), which officially replaced ATMIS in January 2025. Unlike its predecessor, AUSSOM is a non-combat operation focused on stabilization and supporting Somalia’s security institutions.
AU officials said the additional funding would reinforce Somalia-led efforts, enhance coordination between Somali authorities and AU partners, and help prevent a potential security vacuum during the transition period.
However, AUSSOM’s long-term financial sustainability remains uncertain. The United Nations has pledged to cover up to 75% of the operation’s estimated annual cost of $166.5 million, but the United States has declined direct funding. U.S. officials cited concerns over accountability, sustainability, and an unequal financial burden.
Washington’s withdrawal from direct AUSSOM funding marks a significant shift after years of strong support. Between 2007 and 2020, the U.S. contributed more than $2 billion to AMISOM and ATMIS, according to AU and EU data.
The Somali government has repeatedly called on international donors for consistent support. In June, Somalia and the AU agreed to establish a joint command structure to ensure Somali ownership of the AUSSOM mission.
Although the AU Peace Fund was restructured in 2016 to reduce reliance on external donors, African peace operations still heavily depend on support from the EU and the UN.
