UN Approves New African Union Force to Combat Al-Shabab in Somalia

The UN Security Council on Friday authorized a new African Union mission, the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), aimed at tackling the Islamist militant group Al-Shabab. This decision was supported by 14 of the 15 council members, with the United States abstaining due to concerns about funding mechanisms.

AUSSOM will replace the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), whose mandate ends on December 31. The mission is set to deploy in January 2025, with 11,000 troops currently pledged, including participation from Egypt.

Somalia has faced decades of turmoil, including civil war and insurgency, making it one of the poorest countries globally. The resolution allows for the possibility of up to 75% UN financing for the African force, although US representatives expressed that conditions for this support have not been met.

The establishment of AUSSOM comes amid rising tensions in the Horn of Africa, particularly between Somalia and Ethiopia, following a maritime agreement involving Somaliland. The international community continues to seek stability in the region through diplomatic and military efforts.