US gives UN more time to end support for Somalia peacekeepers

The United States has granted the UN an additional year to phase out its support for African Union peacekeepers in Somalia, according to a diplomatic note. This decision provides a reprieve for the AU Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which relies heavily on UN logistics for essential services like food, fuel, and medical support. The Trump administration had previously indicated it would block UN support for AUSSOM starting next year, citing frustration with the Somali government.

"Without it, the country would face a real risk of state fragmentation and disintegration,"

said Afyare Elmi, a professor at City University of Mogadishu, regarding AUSSOM's importance. While this extension offers time for Somalia and its partners to secure alternative funding, it does not eliminate the long-term threat to the peacekeeping force's future, as the US State Department confirmed it would no longer fund the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) after the 12-month period.