AU seeks funding for peace efforts in Somalia

The newly elected Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has called on the international community to provide financial support for Somalia’s peace and stabilisation efforts.

Youssouf made the plea after wrapping up his first official visit to Somalia since assuming office, where he highlighted significant funding shortfalls for the AU Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia.

In a statement issued in Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital, on Tuesday, Youssouf stressed the need for renewed international commitment to the country’s stability.

“I have already started in Addis Ababa to speak to some of our partners so that Somalia is not abandoned. Somalia remains the center of interest for the international community,” he said.

Youssouf emphasized the importance of international engagement and sustained support for Somalia in its battle against the militant group al-Shabaab.

During a joint press briefing with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Youssouf underscored that the AU peace mission in Somalia is currently in a transition period, which brings both challenges and opportunities.

“I want to underline here that these challenges can be overcome. But we need commitment, we need engagement, and we need the support of the international community,” Youssouf added.

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He further stated that it was crucial to avoid withdrawing from Somalia, noting that the country’s stability and security are beneficial not only for its people but also for the international community at large.

In addition, the AU chairperson highlighted the critical role of international support in preventing piracy in the Gulf of Aden, Guardafui Channel, and Somali Sea.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressed optimism that, through collaboration with the new AU leadership, Somalia can overcome the current challenges faced by the AU peace mission.

He reiterated that Somalia’s success is a proof of Africa’s ability to solve its own problems with the support of international partners.

The UN’s Acting Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan, also reaffirmed the world body’s continued collaboration with the AU, acknowledging the indispensable role of the AU mission in Somalia and its support for Somali forces.