UK commits $30 million to boost Somalia’s security transition and fight Al-Shabaab

The United Kingdom has pledged more than 30 million dollars to support Somalia’s ongoing security transition, with funds directed to the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) and the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

The announcement was made during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where the UK co-hosted a donor conference alongside Somalia, the African Union, and the United Nations.

According to details released by London, 8 million dollars will go to UNSOS, while 22 million dollars will support AUSSOM, which replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in early 2025.

The UNSOS funding will cover a wide range of non-lethal assistance for Somali Security Forces, including food rations, tents, medical supplies, and casualty evacuation.

It also provides logistical services such as fuel, communication equipment, and troop transport, helping the Somali National Army and police maintain operational readiness.

UNSOS support

Currently, UNSOS supports 18,900 Somali Security Forces, comprising both the National Army and Police Force. Since 2021, the UK has contributed more than 58 million dollars to UNSOS, making it one of the largest donors to the Somali Security Forces Trust Fund managed by the United Nations.

The 22 million dollars allocated to AUSSOM will help the mission stabilise areas recaptured from al-Shabaab, back Somali-led security operations, and reduce insecurity across the wider region.

AUSSOM has a projected budget of about 190 million dollars for July 2025 to June 2026, but UN officials have warned that only part of this funding has been secured, urging donors to close the gap.

Since 2021, the UK has committed nearly 140 million dollars to AU missions in Somalia, including both AUSSOM and its predecessor, ATMIS.

African-led peace efforts

Speaking during the announcement, UK Development Minister Baroness Chapman said: “The UK has been a committed partner to Somalia for over a decade, recognising that its security is vital to regional stability and prosperity. This contribution reflects our broader commitment to African-led peace efforts, reinforcing our investment in a future where trade thrives, communities flourish, and terrorism no longer threatens everyday life.”

British Ambassador to Somalia Charles King emphasised the importance of logistical support, noting that the UK’s latest contribution would help Somali forces sustain progress. He said the non-lethal assistance provided through UNSOS ensured that frontline soldiers received food, equipment, and emergency medical care, directly boosting morale and efficiency.

Somali officials welcomed the pledge and urged other donors to follow suit. Somalia’s National Security Advisor stressed that the handover of security responsibilities from AU forces to Somali forces depended on reliable funding and called on partners to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of resources.

Gradual withdrawal of troops

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• Somalia security transition
• Baroness Chapman
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The funding comes as the Somali government intensifies operations against Al-Shabaab while preparing for the gradual withdrawal of international troops.

With AUSSOM now fully operational, Somali forces are expected to shoulder greater security responsibilities, requiring sustained investment in training and logistics.

The UN has cautioned that one of the greatest risks to the transition is the possibility of funding shortfalls that could leave Somali forces without essential supplies, slowing down operations against Al-Shabaab.

Officials highlighted that non-lethal assistance delivered through UNSOS is just as critical as combat support, as it keeps forces equipped, fed, and able to access medical care when needed.

The UK linked its new commitment to its broader East Africa strategy, aimed at strengthening local security capacity, reducing reliance on international troops, and laying the foundation for long-term stability and trade.