AUSSOM Ministers review future of Somalia mission amid funding and support challenges

Defence Ministers from African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) troop-contributing countries have praised a technical report prepared by Chiefs of Defence Forces (CDFs), saying it provides a strategic roadmap for the mission amid looming support challenges ahead of January 2027.

The three-day summit, taking place in Somalia, has brought together defence leaders, diplomats, and military officials from Uganda, Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Egypt, Kenya, and Somalia to discuss the future of the African-led mission.

The CDFs’ report, completed on Wednesday, formed the basis of ministerial discussions and will guide regional Heads of State during the Extraordinary Summit scheduled to issue key directives today.

Ms. Zinene Chiradza, Director of the Conflict Management Directorate at the African Union Commission, commended the military chiefs for their work, saying the report will help leaders make informed decisions on the mission’s next phase.

“The proposals from yesterday’s meeting are crucial to better inform Heads of State to validate appropriate actions during this probable transition,” Chiradza said.

She warned that the mission faces a critical moment, noting that the main support line for the AU mission in Somalia is under serious threat from January 2027.

Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who chaired the CDF session, called for urgent action as the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) prepares to end operations on December 31, 2026.

He urged troop-contributing countries to develop African-led alternatives to sustain peace operations in Somalia.

Uganda’s Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to Somalia’s peace and security, recalling the country’s deployment of the first AMISOM troops in 2007.

Kiwanuka said Uganda’s involvement reflects its commitment to Pan-African solidarity and African-led solutions to continental challenges.

He cautioned that despite progress made over nearly two decades, Al-Shabaab remains a major security threat requiring coordinated military and political efforts.

The minister stressed that the transition from AMISOM and ATMIS to AUSSOM must be carefully managed to avoid security gaps, while strengthening Somali security institutions and promoting dialogue among stakeholders.

On funding challenges facing the mission, Kiwanuka called for sustainable international support, warning that AUSSOM cannot operate effectively without adequate resources.

The summit concludes today, July 31, with regional Heads of State expected to issue final directives on the future of the Somalia peace mission.