Speaking at the 2025 Africa Chiefs of Defense Conference in Nairobi, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) Commander General Michael Langley emphasized the need for “burden sharing” in maintaining peace and security in Somalia.
“As resources are rebalanced globally, it is essential that all partners – Africa included – take more ownership in their regional and continental security,” Langley said. “We support Somalia in building its own security capacity, but long-term sustainability requires shared responsibility.”
The remarks come amid deepening uncertainty over the future of AUSSOM, which was launched to replace the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). The mission plays a central role in supporting the Somali National Army (SNA) in its battle against Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-linked extremist group responsible for attacks across East Africa.
While the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2719 (2023) allows for UN-assessed contributions to cover up to 75% of AU-led peace operations, the U.S. government is pushing back, expressing concerns that such a system enables others to “dodge the bill.”
In Washington, senior lawmakers echoed this stance. Senator Jim Risch, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, stated:
“We’re not walking away from Somalia or the fight against terrorism. But the U.S. can’t be the only one paying. UNSCR 2719 lets others skip their commitments and stick the bill to American taxpayers.”
Senator Risch, along with Senators Ted Cruz and Rick Scott, recently introduced the AUSSOM Funding Restriction Act of 2025. The bill seeks to block U.S. contributions to AUSSOM under the new funding mechanism unless the AU and UN demonstrate full transparency and responsible use of funds.
“We cannot let American tax dollars be spent on a broken system,” Senator Cruz said. “This legislation ensures that money is only used in ways that actually advance U.S. national security interests.”
At the center of the funding controversy is the Danab Brigade, Somalia’s elite special forces unit trained and equipped by the U.S. The brigade had received strong U.S. backing until 2024, when allegations emerged that senior Danab leaders had embezzled rations and supplies. Despite U.S. concerns, the Somali government failed to take punitive action, leading to a gradual phasing out of American support.
“The Danab were responsible for these failures,” Senator Risch noted. “Taxpayers shouldn’t fund corruption.”
Meanwhile, African leaders, including Kenyan President William Ruto and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, have publicly called for continued international funding of AUSSOM through UN channels. In a summit held in Entebbe, Uganda, regional heads of state decried the chronic underfunding of the mission and urged the implementation of the UNSC resolution to ensure predictable, long-term financing.
Despite these appeals, the U.S. maintains its position: AUSSOM’s survival depends on equal financial commitment from Africa, Europe, and other stakeholders.
General Langley acknowledged the efforts of the African Union and the United Nations to resolve the crisis but emphasized that time is running out. “The current funding challenges underscore the difficulty of sustaining operations against Al-Shabaab,” he said. “If these challenges aren’t addressed, it could affect the Somali army’s ability to maintain recent gains.”
As foreign troops gradually withdraw and Somali forces assume more responsibility, Al-Shabaab remains active, launching deadly attacks in several regions. Analysts warn that a funding gap at this stage could jeopardize years of progress made in stabilizing Somalia.
The debate over AUSSOM’s funding has now become a test of global cooperation. Without swift action and shared commitment, Somalia’s fragile peace may once again unravel — with implications for the wider Horn of Africa and beyond.