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US blocks UN funding for Somalia, threatens AU peace mission
The United States moved to stop the United Nations from financing the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia through a diplomatic note sent to the regional body on Friday, July 3.
US promised to block any spending of UN funds on the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This information appeared in a diplomatic note seen by Reuters.
The mission had a budget of $190 million last year. However, it faced a large gap in funding as money became harder to find.
The US remains one of the biggest supporters of the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS). That office expects its total budget to go above $500 million this year.
Troops from Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and other nations make up the African Union force. These soldiers have stayed in Somalia since 2009 to help the struggling federal government.
The mission relied heavily on UN help to pay for logistics, medical services, and troop movement.
The African Union told its Peace and Security Council about the decision from Washington. It warned that the move carried major risks for the future of the mission.
President Donald Trump grew increasingly hostile toward Somalia recently. He blamed the government for Somali migrants in the US and started a travel ban on the country.
