EU Pledges over €70 Million to AU Somalia Mission
The European Union (EU) has confirmed a EUR 75 million renewed financial support to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), solidifying its position as the mission’s largest supporter, according to African Union (AU) Political Affairs and Security statement released on Thursday, April 23.
Adopted by the EU Council and its member states, the funding brings the total european contribution to successive AU-led missions in Somalia to nearly EUR 2.8 billion over the last two decades.
The announcement follows commitments made during the AU-EU Summit held in Luanda in November 2025 to strengthen African-led peace initiatives.
Ambassador Javier Niño Pérez, Head of the EU Delegation to the AU, emphasised the reliability of the partnership.
“At the AU-EU Summit in Luanda, we jointly committed to strengthen African-led peace missions and we are delivering. The EU confirms once again being a reliable partner to Africa. We also commend the efforts made by troop-contributing countries. It is crucial to strengthen security for the people of Somalia and for the whole region,” he noted in a statement.
“The EU continues to work together with the AU and African countries to ensure a solid foundation for their aspiration for a peaceful, stable and prosperous continent, the main aim of the AU-EU partnership,” Pérez added.
The African Union Commission (AUC) welcomed the funds, noting they are essential for the operational success of AUSSOM.
Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, praised the long-term collaboration.
“The African Union Commission appreciates this substantial financial contribution to enhance the operations of AUSSOM,” he affirmed.
“This continued collaboration between the AU and the EU illustrates our shared determination to promote peace, security and democratic governance, realizing that the building of effective security and governance architecture is required for the stability of Somalia and the broader region,” Adeoye added.
The AU Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) recently honored the EU with the “Most Valued Partner Award,” as a recognition of its continued support to peace in Africa. This is the first time the department has created such an award to celebrate a specific bilateral partnership.
The AU-EU partnership remains the only framework of its kind to maintain a regular dialogue on peace and security, guided by the AU’s Agenda 2063 and the joint vision established between the two continents.
