UK Minister for Development announced the new funding to support non-lethal support for Somali forces and AU-led security efforts.  

• $8 (£6) million to UNSOS to bolster non-lethal support for Somali forces
• $22 (£16.5) million to AUSSOM to sustain AU-led security efforts
• This funding reaffirms the UK’s enduring commitment to Somalia’s stability

The United Kingdom has announced over $30 (£22.5) million in funding to support Somalia’s security transition. This includes $8 (£6) million to the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) and $22 (£16.5) million to the African Union Support to Somalia (AUSSOM), the AU’s peace support operation.

The commitment reflects the UK’s continued role as a reliable partner to Somalia and the wider region, working in close coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, the African Union, the United Nations, and a broad range of Troop and Police Contributing Countries.

Vital support to Somali forces through UNSOS

The UK’s $8 (£6) million contribution to UNSOS will ensure Somali Security Forces continue to receive essential non-lethal support, including food rations, tents, medical supplies, and casualty evacuation (casevac). This logistical assistance plays a vital role in enabling Somali forces to conduct joint or coordinated operations with AUSSOM.

UNSOS currently supports 18,900 Somali National Army and Police personnel across the country. This latest contribution brings the UK’s total support to UNSOS to over $58 (£46) million since 2021.

Backing AU-led security through AUSSOM

The UK has also committed $22 (£16.5) million to AUSSOM, reinforcing Somalia’s transition to Somali-led security arrangements. AUSSOM plays a central role in supporting Somali and AU partners to address threats from al-Shabaab, stabilise newly recovered areas, and help reduce the drivers of regional insecurity.

The UK alongside the Federal Government of Somalia, the African Union, and the UN co-hosted an AUSSOM Donor Conference. This event, held in the margins of the UN General Assembly, was attended by a broad range of partners and demonstrates the importance that the international community attaches to Somalia’s security and stability.

Since 2021, the UK has contributed nearly $140 (£102.5) million to AUSSOM and its predecessor missions, demonstrating its commitment to multilateral efforts supporting Somalia’s long-term security.

Minister for Development, Baroness Chapman, said:

The UK has been a committed partner to Somalia for over a decade, recognising that its security is vital to regional stability and prosperity.

Today, we’re continuing our support through a vital contribution to AUSSOM, reinforcing our investment in a future where trade thrives, communities flourish, and terrorism no longer threatens everyday life.

This announcement reflects the UK’s broader commitment to African-led peace efforts, and we remain dedicated to working with regional partners to tackle shared security challenges.

African-led solutions, backed by global partners, work, and the UK is proud to be supporting these. Source British Embassy Mogadishu