US Extends UN Support for Somalia Peacekeepers by One Year
The United States has agreed to extend United Nations logistical support for African Union peacekeepers in Somalia for another year, giving the country more time to prepare for a major shift in how its security operations are funded and sustained.
The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia depends heavily on United Nations-backed logistics, including food, fuel, medical assistance and transportation for troops operating against al-Shabaab. The United Nations Support Office in Somalia has also been providing logistical support to dozens of mission locations.
Under the new arrangement, the withdrawal of United Nations support will begin in January 2027 and take place over 12 months. However, the United States plans to stop funding and supporting the United Nations office responsible for the mission’s logistics, which has an annual budget of about $500 million.
The extension gives Somalia, the African Union and other international partners additional time to secure alternative financing and develop their own logistical capacity. The issue is particularly significant as Somalia continues efforts to take greater responsibility for its national security while confronting an active al-Shabaab insurgency.
The decision also comes as Somalia faces wider funding pressures, with the United Nations warning that reduced international assistance has already limited humanitarian and security operations. The coming year could therefore be critical for determining whether alternative funding can be secured before the United Nations support system is fully withdrawn.
