ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (Horn Post) – The United States has announced it is ending financial support for the U.N. Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), warning that future international assistance will remain limited unless Somalia’s political leaders unite to address the country’s security and governance challenges.
In a diplomatic communication issued by the U.S. Mission to the African Union in Addis Ababa on July 1, 2026, Washington said sustained international backing depends on stronger cooperation among Somalia’s political stakeholders and continued efforts to combat terrorism.
“International support will remain limited until Somalia’s leaders unite to address the country’s security and governance challenges,” the U.S. Mission said in its statement.
The United States urged Somalia’s Federal Government, federal member states and clan leaders to work together to strengthen national stability and advance peace.
“The United States urges the Federal Government of Somalia, all federal member states and all clans to come together to combat terrorism and advance peace,” the statement added.
Despite ending its support for UNSOS, Washington stressed it would continue monitoring security threats originating from Somalia and maintain strong bilateral security partnerships across the region.
“The United States will remain vigilant regarding threats emanating from Somalia, maintain preparedness to address direct threats to U.S. interests, and sustain strong bilateral security relationships with partners in the region,” the mission said.
The announcement was accompanied by an enclosure titled “Ending U.S. Support for the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS).”
African Union Holds Emergency Meeting
The U.S. decision prompted the African Union Commission to convene an emergency meeting to assess the implications of losing one of the mission’s largest financial contributors.
According to officials familiar with the discussions, the African Union is concerned that the withdrawal of U.S. funding could significantly affect the operations of African peace support forces deployed in Somalia, particularly if alternative financing is not secured quickly.
Diplomatic sources said the AU has begun consultations with international partners and donor countries to identify new sources of funding capable of sustaining the mission and preventing operational disruptions.
The United States had been among the largest financial supporters of African peace operations in Somalia for nearly two decades, making its withdrawal a significant challenge for the mission’s future.
Security analysts warn that without replacement funding, the peace support mission could face budget constraints affecting logistics, personnel support and operational effectiveness, potentially complicating ongoing efforts against al-Shabab and broader regional stabilization initiatives.
The developments come at a critical time for Somalia as security forces continue counterterrorism operations while the country pursues long-term political and institutional reforms.
Prepared by:
Horn post staff
Hargeisa, Somaliland
