Security Council Re-Authorizes African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia with Resolution 2809 (2025)
The United Nations Security Council has unanimously extended the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) until December 31, 2026. This decision, encapsulated in resolution 2809 (2025), allows for the deployment of up to 11,826 uniformed personnel, including 680 police officers, to assist in Somalia’s ongoing battle against the militant group Al-Shabaab. The Council emphasized the need for additional support to AUSSOM and the Somali Security Forces to enhance peace and security in the region and called on both traditional and new donors to contribute necessary funding.
Transition of UN Assistance Mission
In a significant development, the Security Council has decided that the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) will cease operations on October 31, 2026. This decision follows the completion of the second phase of its transition, as outlined in a roadmap proposed by the Secretary-General. The resolution also condemned the ongoing attacks by Al-Shabaab against security forces and AUSSOM personnel, highlighting the group’s broader campaign of terrorism, which includes hostage-taking and the recruitment of foreign fighters. The Council urged the Federal Government of Somalia to enhance coordination between AUSSOM and international security partners to maximize operational effectiveness.
The Secretary-General has been tasked with reporting on various aspects, including recommendations for adapting the support provided by the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) to AUSSOM. Additionally, updates on the voluntary resource mobilization for AUSSOM’s 2025 budget and plans for the 2026 budget will be included in these reports. The Council’s focus on these issues underscores the importance of sustained international support for Somalia’s security landscape.
Concerns Over Funding and Support
During discussions, several representatives expressed their appreciation for the efforts of peacekeepers in Somalia and the Somali forces, emphasizing the need to consolidate gains against terrorism. A delegate from Sierra Leone, speaking on behalf of Algeria, Guyana, and Somalia, noted that while their core concerns regarding AUSSOM’s financing were not fully addressed in the resolution, they recognized the necessity of Council authorization for continued international support. The chronic underfunding of AUSSOM poses a significant risk to its objectives and threatens to reverse progress made in the region.
France’s representative echoed these sentiments, stressing the urgency for new donors to mobilize support for security in Somalia. Denmark highlighted AUSSOM’s logistical support role in the fight against Al-Shabaab and the importance of national progress for Somalia to assume full responsibility for its security. Pakistan’s delegate reiterated the need for sustainable financing for AUSSOM, emphasizing its critical role under the principles of national ownership and respect for sovereignty.
Debate on Security Functions and Mandate
The Russian Federation’s representative emphasized that the resolution should prioritize security issues and support for AUSSOM, deeming domestic political matters in Somalia as secondary. He criticized attempts by some delegations to expand the UN Secretary-General’s reporting requirements on Somalia. Conversely, the United Kingdom’s representative noted that the resolution establishes a process for reviewing logistical support provided by the UN, reinforcing the Council’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s fight against Al-Shabaab.
China’s delegate raised concerns about the unsustainable funding gap facing AUSSOM and the liquidity challenges confronting UNSOS. He called on donors to fulfill their financial commitments and urged the Secretary-General to present practical proposals for bridging the funding gap. The United States representative highlighted the significant financial contributions made to various missions in Somalia but expressed frustration over the slow transfer of security functions to Somali authorities. He called for a collaborative approach among the Federal Government of Somalia, its federal member states, and local clans to address ongoing security and governance challenges.
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