The United Nations Security Council approved a significant new peacekeeping mission in Somalia, authorizing the establishment of the African Union Stabilisation and Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This new mission is set to replace the current African Union anti-terrorism operation, AMISOM, starting on January 1, 2025.
Somalia’s security landscape has been fragile for nearly two decades, with foreign interventions playing a key role in maintaining order. The situation dates back to 2006, when Ethiopia’s invasion led to the overthrow of an Islamist-led administration, sparking a violent insurgency that has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions. In response to this instability, the African Union has maintained a significant peacekeeping force in the country, which has been primarily funded by the European Union and the United States.
The decision to shift to AUSSOM comes amid increasing concerns about the long-term sustainability of the AU’s presence in Somalia, especially in terms of financing. The European Union and the United States, which have been the primary contributors to the AU peacekeeping budget, have expressed reservations about the ongoing costs of the mission. The complexity of negotiations around the new force reflects these financial concerns, with both powers seeking to reduce the number of AU peacekeepers while still ensuring stability in the region.
Notably, the United States abstained from the vote on the resolution, citing concerns about funding the mission in the future. Despite this, the resolution passed with the support of the remaining 14 members of the Security Council. The new mission will focus on stabilizing Somalia and supporting its government in its ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency, particularly from the extremist group Al-Shabaab, which continues to be a significant threat in the region.
The shift to AUSSOM represents a new phase in Somalia’s long struggle for stability and marks a critical juncture in international peacekeeping efforts in the Horn of Africa.
