AU Council calls on troop-contributing countries to step up Somalia security support

Troop-Contributing Countries (TCCs) to the African Union Stabilisation Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) will now be required to assume greater responsibility in eliminating Al-Shabaab and supporting Somalia’s security efforts, following a directive from the African Union Peace and Security Council.

In a communiqué issued after a ministerial-level meeting held two days ago, during which an update was received on the security situation in Somalia and the status of AUSSOM, the Council resolved that TCCs should increase their bilateral troop deployments as efforts intensify to secure adequate funding for the mission.

“The Council commends all TCCs who have deployed additional troops on a bilateral basis to address the prevailing security situation in Somalia and calls upon those that have not yet done so to follow suit,” the communiqué stated in part.

To safeguard progress made in ongoing operations, the Council tasked the AU Commission with providing an updated assessment, within six weeks, of operational requirements, including logistical and aviation support. This information will be forwarded to the United Nations Security Council to ensure continued logistical assistance from the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS).

The Council also requested the AU Commission, in coordination with the UN, to finalise arrangements for the deployment of Egyptian troops and the repatriation of Burundian forces.

Further, it highlighted the urgency of rapid force generation and integration, including the recruitment of Community/Local Defence Forces (LDFs) and Mobile Forces. These units are to secure and stabilise areas under the "Clear, Hold and Build" strategy aimed at consolidating gains made against Al Shabaab insurgents.

To achieve this, the Council called for sustained and coordinated capacity-building support to the Somali Defence and Security Forces.

The Council also urged TCCs and other partners to contribute to securing adequate, predictable, sustainable, flexible, and multi-year financing for AUSSOM, including direct contributions to the mission’s operational costs.

The mission is currently grappling with significant financial shortfalls, which have impeded troop deployment and essential support operations, critical components for ensuring peace and stability in Somalia.

“In this regard, the Council has decided to increase the ceiling of the Crisis Reserve Facility (CRF) by an additional $10 million, bringing the total to USD 20 million for 2025, to support AUSSOM deployment,” the communiqué added. It further directed the AU Commission to submit this decision to the relevant AU policy organs for urgent consideration in accordance with AU financial regulations.

In addition, the Council directed the AU Commission to engage the United Nations, European Union, United Kingdom, the Federal Government of Somalia, and other bilateral partners to organise a resource mobilisation conference for AUSSOM.

The Council emphasised that Article 24 of the United Nations Charter accords the UN Security Council primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, and reiterated the need to fully leverage UN Security Council Resolution 2719 (2023) to secure predictable and adequate financing for AU-led peace support operations.

In the interim, the Council called on the Chiefs of Defence Forces of both Somalia and the TCCs to formulate a comprehensive plan to deter, degrade, and ultimately eliminate Al-Shabaab.

The meeting reaffirmed the AU’s unwavering solidarity with the people and Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia in their pursuit of lasting peace, security, stability, and prosperity.

This week's meeting followed the AUSSOM TCCs summit held on April 25 in Entebbe, Uganda, and the outcomes of the Somalia Operations Coordination Committee (SOCC) meeting held on February 25, 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

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