The UN Security Council has unanimously renewed the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) to 31 December 2026, adopting Resolution 2809 on 23 December. In London’s explanation of vote, the UK said continued UN backing through the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) remains essential to delivery.
The renewal consolidates a transition that began when AUSSOM replaced ATMIS on 1 January 2025 under Resolution 2767. That decision tasked AUSSOM to support Somalia in degrading Al‑Shabaab and affiliates linked to ISIL/Daesh, with UNSOS providing logistical support.
In the UK statement, two constraints were flagged: persistent underfunding of AUSSOM and a liquidity shortfall affecting UNSOS. The mandate establishes a structured process to review UN logistical support, with further Council engagement signalled for June.
Budget pressures form the backdrop. UN officials told the General Assembly’s Fifth Committee in May that peacekeeping cash balances had fallen to historically low levels, prompting tighter controls across missions. That context is explicitly referenced as the Council asks for a careful look at UNSOS support.
The Council has also refreshed its sanctions track. In March 2025, members adopted Resolution 2776 to retain measures targeting Al‑Shabaab, including maritime interdictions, and requested a technical assessment of the arms embargo by 1 November 2025. A further package was agreed in December, according to the UK mission.
Resolution 2809 authorises up to 11,826 uniformed personnel for AUSSOM, including 680 police. By comparison, Resolution 2767 initially permitted up to 12,626 personnel, including 1,040 police, during realignment from ATMIS in early 2025. The updated level signals a leaner posture.
Financing arrangements remain active files. Security Council Report notes that work to apply the UN‑AU framework in Resolution 2719 prompted cost‑saving measures across AUSSOM and UNSOS, while leaving a portion to be met through voluntary contributions. Member States have differed on the scope and pace of that model.
The renewal text links future choices to reporting deadlines. The draft discussed in New York requests the Secretary‑General’s first report by 31 May 2026 with recommendations on adapting UNSOS support amid the liquidity squeeze; Council engagement is expected in June, consistent with the UK’s statement.
This security track sits alongside the political transition of the UN presence. Under Resolution 2753, the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia is due to complete its drawdown by 31 October 2026; briefings following the vote reiterated that timeline.
UK officials also pointed to progress since AMISOM’s launch in 2007 and paid tribute to personnel from AUSSOM and its predecessors, and to Somali forces and civilians who have lost their lives in counter‑terrorism operations.
For Somali and AU planners, the near‑term tasks are to sustain the authorised force, close the 2026 funding gap through assessed and voluntary contributions, and prepare for the June review of UN support, while keeping sanctions enforcement aligned with the evolving threat environment. Early 2026 donor signals, including from the EU, will be closely watched.