UK contributes over $30 million to support Somalia鈥檚 security transition
UK Minister for Development announced the new funding to support non-lethal support for Somali forces and AU-led security efforts.
- $8 (拢6) million to UNSOS to bolster non-lethal support for Somali forces
- $22 (拢16.5) million to AUSSOM to sustain AU-led security efforts
- This funding reaffirms the UK鈥檚 enduring commitment to Somalia鈥檚 stability
The United Kingdom has announced over $30 (拢22.5) million in funding to support Somalia鈥檚 security transition. This includes $8 (拢6) million to the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) and $22 (拢16.5) million to the African Union Support to Somalia (AUSSOM), the AU鈥檚 peace support operation.
The commitment reflects the UK鈥檚 continued role as a reliable partner to Somalia and the wider region, working in close coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, the African Union, the United Nations, and a broad range of Troop and Police Contributing Countries.
Vital support to Somali forces through UNSOS
The UK鈥檚 $8 (拢6) million contribution to UNSOS will ensure Somali Security Forces continue to receive essential non-lethal support, including food rations, tents, medical supplies, and casualty evacuation (casevac). This logistical assistance plays a vital role in enabling Somali forces to conduct joint or coordinated operations with AUSSOM.
UNSOS currently supports 18,900 Somali National Army and Police personnel across the country. This latest contribution brings the UK鈥檚 total support to UNSOS to over $58 (拢46) million since 2021.
Backing AU-led security through AUSSOM
The UK has also committed $22 (拢16.5) million to AUSSOM, reinforcing Somalia鈥檚 transition to Somali-led security arrangements. AUSSOM plays a central role in supporting Somali and AU partners to address threats from al-Shabaab, stabilise newly recovered areas, and help reduce the drivers of regional insecurity.
The UK alongside the Federal Government of Somalia, the African Union, and the UN co-hosted an AUSSOM Donor Conference. This event, held in the margins of the UN General Assembly, was attended by a broad range of partners and demonstrates the importance that the international community attaches to Somalia鈥檚 security and stability.
Since 2021, the UK has contributed nearly $140 (拢102.5) million to AUSSOM and its predecessor missions, demonstrating its commitment to multilateral efforts supporting Somalia鈥檚 long-term security.
Minister for Development, Baroness Chapman, said:
The UK has been a committed partner to Somalia for over a decade, recognising that its security is vital to regional stability and prosperity.
Today, we鈥檙e continuing our support through a vital contribution to AUSSOM, reinforcing our investment in a future where trade thrives, communities flourish, and terrorism no longer threatens everyday life.
This announcement reflects the UK鈥檚 broader commitment to African-led peace efforts, and we remain dedicated to working with regional partners to tackle shared security challenges.
African-led solutions, backed by global partners, work, and the UK is proud to be supporting these.
Note to Editors
- You can follow UK activity in Somalia on and and
Since 2021, the UK has contributed:
- Over $58 (拢46) million to UNSOS, supporting non-lethal logistical support to Somali Security Forces
- Nearly $140 million (拢102.5) to AUSSOM and its predecessor missions, supporting the reimbursement of African Union troops
UNSOS delivers vital support including rations, tents, medevac, and logistics to the Somali Security Forces
AUSSOM is the African Union鈥檚 peace support mission to Somalia, supporting Somali-led security transition in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2741