By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU — Spain has approved a €1 million contribution to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), as the mission faces an escalating funding crisis that threatens its core security operations. The decision was endorsed during a meeting of the Spanish Council of Ministers, which described the contribution as essential at a time when instability in Somalia poses significant risks to the wider Horn of Africa and could further aggravate insecurity linked to crises unfolding across the Sahel region.
According to the Spanish government, the decision is closely tied to the Spain–Africa Strategic Plan 2025–2028, which prioritises both the Horn of Africa and the Sahel as key security regions. Officials warned that deteriorating conditions in Somalia could have broader regional implications, including increased migration flows, heightened terrorism threats, and potential disruptions to maritime routes vital to European trade.
Spanish officials say AUSSOM is struggling with severe financial constraints caused by a sharp decline in contributions from international partners. Diplomats report that the shortfall has already forced parts of the mission to scale back or delay essential activities, placing its overall operational capacity at risk. The government in Madrid stressed that without urgent support, the mission could lose the ability to assist Somali forces in countering extremist groups and securing newly liberated areas. Spain said its contribution aims to prevent a collapse of the mission during this critical period.
La Moncloa added that the €1 million package will help reinforce Africa’s broader security architecture while supporting efforts to build a stable and unified Somali state. The government emphasised that stabilising Somalia remains a central pillar of international counterterrorism strategy, particularly as the country moves toward transitioning security responsibilities from AU-led forces to the Somali National Army.
In addition to the Somalia package, the Spanish Council of Ministers approved further funding for UN agencies and organisations within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to support global development, humanitarian operations, and peacebuilding initiatives.
AUSSOM officials have recently warned that without renewed donor contributions, the mission may soon be unable to maintain support for Somali National Army operations, conduct joint counterterrorism missions, or hold territory reclaimed from Al-Shabaab and other armed groups. Security experts caution that any disruption to AUSSOM’s activities could reverse hard-won gains, especially in newly stabilised areas previously under militant control.
