ENTEBBE: The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) urgently needs at least 8,000 additional troops, enhanced air assets, and strengthened intelligence capabilities to contain the escalating threat of the militant group Al-Shabaab.
This urgent appeal was made on Friday, April 25, during a high-level ministerial meeting in Entebbe, Uganda, involving representatives from the African Union Commission, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), troop-contributing countries (TCCs), and the Federal Government of Somalia.
Speaking at the meeting, IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu said the peacekeeping mission is under mounting pressure due to operational challenges and resource gaps that need to be addressed immediately.
“These recommendations identify critical priorities including the urgent need to increase AUSSOM troop strength by at least 8,000 personnel, deploy additional bilateral forces, enhance air assets and intelligence capabilities, and strengthen coordination between Somalia’s federal government, member states, and traditional leaders,” Dr. Workneh stated.
The recommendations stemmed from a prior meeting of Permanent Secretaries and Senior Officials from the Troop Contributing Countries to AUSSOM and Somalia, which concluded on April 23, 2025.
AUSSOM is a regional peacekeeping mission comprising forces from several African Union member states. Uganda remains the largest contributor, followed by Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Kenya.
The call for reinforcements comes amid a renewed offensive by Al-Shabaab insurgents, which has raised concerns about the mission’s ability to maintain gains made in previously liberated areas. Dr. Workneh underscored the need for greater emphasis on training Somalia’s national security forces and mobilising local defence units to hold recaptured territory.
“For our troops to accomplish this mission, it’s imperative to address these fundamental challenges. And this brings me to what IGAD proposes not as abstract policy but as practical solutions born from the ground truths in Somalia,” he said.
He further proposed the establishment of backup supply chains and urged IGAD member states to expand logistical hubs and capabilities to support troops battling terrorist threats on the frontlines.
The meeting also revealed that the mission is grappling with a 25% funding shortfall under the framework of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2719, significantly affecting operational capacity.
“The 25% funding gap under Resolution 2719 keeps mission planners awake at night,” Dr. Workneh said.
“IGAD continues to support the efforts of Your Excellencies over the past months as you lead discussions with potential donors. There is an urgent need for a coordinated approach, including focused donor conferences to close these critical shortfalls,” he added.
IGAD also called on Troop Contributing Countries to consider boosting AUSSOM with additional logistics support and to engage in joint contingency planning to prepare for potential disruptions in supply lines.
The Entebbe meeting brought together Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence from the Troop Contributing Countries and Somalia, as well as senior military leaders and policy makers.
Also in attendance were the Ambassador of the United States, the British High Commissioner, EU Commissioners, and representatives from the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) and the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS).
The outcomes of the meeting are expected to inform the next phase of strategic coordination between regional and international partners committed to stabilising Somalia.
