The future of the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia has been thrown into uncertainty after the United States moved to block United Nations logistical support that keeps the operation running, raising fears of a major security setback in the Horn of Africa.
The mission, known as African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), has nearly 12,000 troops supporting Somalia in the fight against Al-Shabaab.
However, diplomats cited by Reuters say Washington will no longer support the UN mechanism that provides crucial supplies including food, fuel, medical assistance and transport from next year — a move AU officials warn could threaten the mission’s survival.
The U.S. decision reportedly stems from frustration over Somalia’s political divisions and slow progress in taking full responsibility for national security.
The development leaves regional troop contributors, including Uganda, watching closely as partners search for alternative funding to avoid creating a security vacuum in one of Africa’s most volatile regions.
