The African Union (AU) Commission has admitted to budgetary constraints for its stabilisation mission in Somalia which faces possible collapse if the situation is not addressed.
Speaking in Entebbe, Uganda, on Thursday, AUC chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said the African Union (AU) Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is being blighted by a funding gap and warned partners that the mission runs the risk of folding up prematurely.
He was meeting Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) Chiefs of Defence Forces & partners including the European Union, United States, United Kingdom & IGAD, ahead of an AUSSOM Heads of State Summit on Friday 25 April.
“The mission is confronted with financial challenges; there is still a reluctance to implement Resolution 2719 to Somalia,” a statement extended to APA on Thursday quoted the chairperson as saying while meeting with officials of troop-contributing countries (TCCs) in Entebbe, Uganda.
Youssouf emphasised that while the commission will do its utmost to mobilise financial resources, sustaining AUSSOM will require a collective effort from AU member states and international partners.
He urged immediate action to preserve the vital peacekeeping operation in Somalia.
He said for close to twenty years now, the TCCs have stood by Somalia, making so many sacrifices for the sake of peace and stability in the country.
An update earlier this month on AUSSOM’s operation budget suggests that the mission faces a critical funding challenge between January and June 2025, requiring a total cash injection of $90.4 million for its military, police as well as civilian and operational components.
”Military costs dominate at $78.5 million, driven by troop allowances and compensation, while police and civilian components add $8.1 million and $3.3 million, respectively, and operational costs total $0.4 million” according to the AU Peace and Security Council.
According to a breakdown of the figures funding being committed from China, the AU Peace Fund, Japan and Korea stands at $16.7 million.
However this accounts for just 18.5% of the need, leaving a shortfall of $73.7 million.
”Additionally, the liquidation ATMIS incurs of $1.7 million in liabilities, of which $1 million remains unfunded, bringing the total urgent cash requirement to $92.1 million” according to the AUPSC update.
An unspecified monetary pledge by the UK is expected to plug this gap and ensure operational continuity.
”Outstanding liabilities from ATMIS owed to TCCs for 2022–2024 total $93.9 million, including Uganda ($34.5 million), Kenya ($15.7 million), Ethiopia ($17.2 million), Djibouti ($8.3 million) and Burundi ($18.1 million)” the financial sheet indicated.
Meanwhile despite these challenges, AUC chieftain Youssouf Somalia with support from the organisation and its partners has made what he called tremendous gains against al-Shabaab on many fronts.
According to the chairperson, the stability and security in Somalia is beneficial not only to the Horn of Africa but also to global peace, justifying the continued interest in maintaining its mission in the country.
“In order to consolidate those recoveries of territories, the transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM must not fail” he said.
He said under him the AU Commission will encourage the federal government to reach out to all federal states for greater inclusiveness and called on member countries of the continental body to demonstrate their full solidarity with the government and people.
MG/as/APA