UN Security Council Extends African Union Peacekeeping Mission in Somalia. New York, United States — The United Nations Security Council has approved the extension of the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia, known as AUSSOM, for an additional year, according to official statements.
The decision, made on Tuesday, will see the mission’s mandate extended until the end of 2026.
AUSSOM, which has been in place since 2007, is tasked with supporting Somali security forces in their ongoing battle against the Islamist militant group al-Shabab.
The UK’s Ambassador to the UN highlighted the significant progress Somalia has made since the mission’s inception, noting that the Security Council’s decision-making must continue to be informed by a comprehensive understanding of the national context.
However, concerns have been raised regarding the financial sustainability of the mission.
China’s Deputy UN Ambassador Sun Lei expressed concern over the funding gap facing AUSSOM and the liquidity shortfall confronting the United Nations Operations in Somalia (UNSOS). Sun called on international partners, particularly traditional donors, to fulfill their commitments and address the urgent financial strain on the mission.
Somalia has been engaged in a prolonged conflict with al — Shabab, a group linked to al-Qaeda.
While the militants have been pushed out of major cities, they continue to control certain rural areas and have recaptured some previously liberated zones.
The extension of AUSSOM’s mandate comes as the international community seeks to stabilize the situation in Somalia, which has been plagued by conflict and instability for nearly two decades.
The decision to continue the mission underscores the ongoing need for international support in the region.
Further details regarding the implementation of the extended mandate are expected to be released in the coming days.
