MOGADISHU, Somalia — The United States plans to end support for the U.N. logistics mission in Somalia, citing Somalia’s failure to defeat al-Shabab and assume full security responsibilities from the African Union mission.
The decision follows nearly two decades and billions of dollars invested in supporting Somalia and African Union forces battling al-Shabab, an al Qaeda-linked militant group.
The U.S. Mission to the African Union said Washington opposes extending the U.N. Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) beyond the expiration of its mandate on Dec. 31, 2026.
The logistics office currently supports the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), whose mandate also expires at the end of 2026.
The United States said it would oppose any U.N. Security Council renewal that retains UNSOS or other U.N. logistical or operational support mechanisms beyond 2026.
The decision marks a sharp departure from years of U.S. financial backing for Somalia’s security institutions and African Union-led peace operations.
The U.S. government has contributed nearly $2 billion to UNSOS since 2007 and an additional $1.6 billion to aid troop-contributing countries’ military operations.
Washington has also invested hundreds of millions of dollars in strengthening Somalia’s security forces while providing broader assistance to support stability and development.
Despite ending logistical support, the United States said it will remain vigilant against threats originating from Somalia.
The decision comes as Somalia faces a political crisis after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud decided to remain in office beyond his mandate, citing constitutional changes—a decision fiercely contested by the opposition.
Last month, heavy fighting erupted in Mogadishu as government forces and opposition-aligned troops engaged in fierce clashes ahead of planned protests over delayed elections.
Talks mediated by Turkey, the United States, and the United Kingdom started in Mogadishu, aiming to ease tensions and secure agreement on Somalia’s electoral process.
President Mohamud has insisted on holding direct elections, while opposition leaders reject his electoral reforms, escalating tensions over the political process.
By Abdirisak Mohamud Turyare in Mogadishu, Somalia
