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African Union (AU) leaders meeting in Kampala have pushed to extend their military mission in Somalia, defying a major threat to the operation as Washington cuts off critical political and financial backing.
Somalia has fought Al-Shabaab insurgents for nearly two decades, with the 12,000-strong AU Support and Stabilisation Mission (AUSSOM) serving as the main force aiding the national army.
However, the United States plans to end its vital logistical support through the UN by the end of the year, citing Mogadishu’s lack of progress against the insurgency.
To prevent a sudden collapse, AU leaders are calling for a Security Council-mandated, phased exit over two years to allow a gradual transfer of control to local forces.
They have also appealed to international partners to cover the resulting funding shortfalls.
Nevertheless, experts warn that sustaining the operation without US support is virtually impossible.
The UN logistics budget reached half a billion dollars this year—triple AUSSOM’s own budget—while traditional backers like the European Union have also reduced their financial support.
Analysts and diplomats caution that an uncoordinated withdrawal could trigger a scenario similar to Afghanistan’s 2021 collapse.
Widespread donor fatigue has grown alongside Somalia’s deep political fragmentation, as highlighted by recent violent clashes following President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud‘s extension of his presidential term.
While the summit urged Mohamud to host a national reconciliation dialogue, he rejected the internationalisation of domestic politics. With logistical resources rapidly vanishing, the AU now faces immense pressure to wind down the mission before troops are left stranded.
