US gives UN more time to end support for Somalia peacekeepers

The US has granted the UN an additional year to wind down its logistical support for African Union peacekeepers in Somalia, delaying a potential funding cutoff that analysts warn could destabilize the fragile government and the broader Horn of Africa region.

The United States has agreed to give the United Nations an additional year to wind down its logistical support for African Union peacekeepers in Somalia, according to a diplomatic note seen by Reuters. The decision delays a potential funding cutoff that analysts warn could destabilize the fragile Somali government and the broader Horn of Africa region. The peacekeeping force, known as the AU Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), relies heavily on UN support for essential logistics including food, water, fuel, medical services, and troop transport. The administration of US President Donald Trump had previously signaled it would block UN support for the force starting in January 2027. The new US diplomatic note proposes a 12-month drawdown of the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), followed by liquidation. Two diplomatic sources and a Somali government source confirmed the 12-month countdown would begin in January. A US State Department spokesperson confirmed Washington would no longer fund UNSOS, whose total budget is approximately $500 million. Analysts quoted in the report warn that losing UN support could lead to state fragmentation. Afyare Elmi, a professor at City University of Mogadishu, said AUSSOM is a key pillar of Somalia's state and without it the country would face a real risk of disintegration. Samira Gaid, a regional security analyst, said the shutdown could spell the end for AUSSOM unless alternative logistics arrangements are found. Somalia has been mired in chaos and internal conflict since the fall of autocratic ruler Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991.