UN Security Council Approves AUSSOM for Somalia

The United Nations Security Council has approved the establishment of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), set to begin on January 1, 2025, replacing the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). The resolution was adopted with 14 votes in favor and one abstention from the United States, which expressed concerns about funding. AUSSOM will deploy up to 12,626 personnel, including 1,040 police officers, to assist Somalia in combating Al-Shabaab and other terrorist threats. Somalia's Deputy UN Envoy welcomed the resolution, highlighting the hybrid funding model that allocates 75% of the budget from UN assessments, contingent on a review in May 2025. Additionally, Ethiopia raised concerns about the rising threat of Al-Shabaab and the need for a unified regional effort against terrorism. The resolution underscores Somalia's growing responsibility for its security amid ongoing challenges and regional complexities.