ADDIS ABABA — The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has called for stronger support and sustainable financing for the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), stressing that the mission’s future must be guided by clear strategic objectives.
Addressing an informal consultation of the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) on the future of AUSSOM, Youssouf emphasized the importance of strengthening African ownership of peace and security efforts while ensuring that peace support operations led by the continent have reliable and long-term funding.
He said that honoring the sacrifices of troop-contributing countries requires protecting the progress achieved in Somalia through a mission that is sustainable, flexible, and capable of responding to evolving security challenges.
The AU Commission Chairperson highlighted the need for continued international and regional support to ensure AUSSOM remains effective in supporting Somalia’s efforts to combat terrorism, strengthen state institutions, and promote long-term stability.
Youssouf also urged faster implementation of key AU financing mechanisms, including the full operationalization of the AU Peace Fund, the application of the 0.2 percent import levy, and increased financial contributions from AU member states.
The meeting was chaired by the Republic of Uganda, which holds the chairmanship of the AU Peace and Security Council for July.
The discussion comes as AUSSOM continues its role in supporting Somali security forces during the gradual transition of security responsibilities from African Union forces to Somali-led institutions.
The AU has emphasized that a sustainable and properly resourced mission is essential to preserving security gains made in Somalia and ensuring continued progress toward lasting peace.
