Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The Political and Security Committee of the Council of the European Union has approved an additional €75 million to support the military component of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) under the European Peace Facility (EPF). This aims to bolster AUSSOM's operational readiness and ability to fulfill its mandate while adhering to international human rights and humanitarian law.
The funding will primarily cover troop allowances for deployed personnel, non-lethal equipment, and related services. This support helps maintain security and protect civilians in regions affected by Al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups.
Since 2007, the EU's total support for AU-led missions in Somalia has approached €2.8 billion. The EPF, established in March 2021, enables the EU to finance military aspects of peace support operations led by regional or international organizations, as well as military and defense capacity-building in third states.
The EU is the largest direct contributor to African Union missions in Somalia. Funding to AUSSOM under the EPF is part of a broader EU strategy to support peace and security in Somalia and the Horn of Africa, including building the capacity of the Somali National Army for a gradual transfer of security responsibilities.