Cart
0
DC to Block Somalia's UN Peacekeeping Funding, Citing Years of Failure
In recent years, natural disasters have wreaked havoc on Somalia, causing a dire humanitarian crisis. Flooding, famine, and conflict have resulted in the death or displacement of millions of Somalians.
Baledogle Military Airfield, Somalia, Sep. 23, 2025. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Kevin Ray Salvador)
According to U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), a coordinated operation with the Federal Government of Somalia recently took place near Welmaro, Somalia, approximately 100 km north of Kismayo, Somalia. An airstrike, targeting the militant group al-Shabaab, was conducted to “degrade al-Shabaab’s ability to threaten U.S. forces and our citizens abroad.” Another strike "in the vicinity of Welmaro" occurred on June 19, 2026, suggesting it's a recurring area of presence for al-Shabaab.
Despite ongoing cooperation, the U.S. recently told the African Union that it plans to block UN funding for AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia's (AUSSOM) peacekeeping logistics after 2026. According to Reuters, a July 1 diplomatic note revealed that Washington told the AU that it would not support the U.N. Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) beyond the end of this year. The UNSOS total budget is estimated to be close to $500 million. U.S. has said it will not oppose the UN Security Council renewing AUSSOM's mandate itself. Specifically, the U.S. only plans to block continued UN funding of the logistics that sustain it.
Gear Spotlight- What Our Readers Are Picking Up
President Trump's administration has grown increasingly frustrated by Somalia's failure to meet security goals, and political infighting, despite ~$2B in past U.S. support. Critics warn this could jeopardize AUSSOM's 12,000-troop mission while al-Shabaab continues to regain territory, undercutting recent U.S. airstrikes.
