The European Union and its member states have approved a €75 million ($80 million) financial contribution to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, reinforcing the bloc’s position as the largest supporter of African Union-led peace operations in Somalia.
The latest funding brings the EU’s total support to successive African Union missions in Somalia over the past two decades to nearly €2.8 billion, underscoring a sustained commitment to stabilizing the Horn of Africa nation amid ongoing security and political challenges.
EU officials said the contribution reflects pledges made during the 7th AU-EU Summit held in Luanda in November 2025, where both sides committed to strengthening African-led peace support operations and deepening cooperation on peace, security and governance across the continent.
Javier Niño Pérez, head of the EU delegation to the AU, emphasized the strategic importance of the funding and the broader 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. 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.”
The AU also welcomed the contribution, highlighting its importance for operational effectiveness on the ground. Bankole Adeoye said: “The African Union Commission appreciates this substantial financial contribution to enhance the operations of AUSSOM.
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. Furthermore, the AUC salutes troop-contributing countries for their immense sacrifices to bring peace and stability to Somalia.”
AUSSOM is the latest in a series of AU-led missions in Somalia tasked with supporting the country’s security transition, countering armed groups, and helping build state institutions. Despite progress in recent years, Somalia continues to face threats from insurgent groups and internal political tensions, making international support critical.
The EU’s contribution is part of a wider, long-term engagement with Africa on peace and security, guided by frameworks such as the AU’s Agenda 2063 and the AU-EU Joint Vision.
The partnership, described by officials as unique in scope and depth, includes regular high-level dialogue, including meetings between the EU Political and Security Committee and the AU Peace and Security Council.
On the sidelines of the recent international conference on Sudan in Berlin, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas met with AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf to discuss advancing joint peace and security priorities and addressing the wider impact of global conflicts on both continents.
European officials say the partnership goes beyond military support, encompassing governance, conflict prevention, counterterrorism, and responses to emerging threats such as cyber insecurity and the climate-security nexus. It also emphasizes inclusive peacebuilding, including the role of women and youth.
The EU has been a central supporter of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and the African Governance Architecture (AGA), helping to strengthen institutional capacity and coordination across the continent. Its support has enabled AU-led Peace Support Operations and reinforced efforts to combat violent extremism.
Since the launch of the European Peace Facility in 2021, the EU has mobilized approximately €1.2 billion to support African defense and security needs, including funding for peace missions, as well as providing equipment, infrastructure and logistical support.
Around 2,000 European military personnel, police officers and civilian experts are currently deployed in Africa under EU missions, working alongside African counterparts in efforts aimed at stabilizing conflict-affected regions.
The EU’s longstanding role in supporting AU-led missions was recently recognized by the AU’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, which awarded the bloc its first-ever “Most Valued Partner” distinction, highlighting the depth of cooperation between the two organizations.
Analysts say the latest funding for AUSSOM signals continued international backing for Somalia at a time when the country faces a complex mix of security threats and political uncertainty, and underscores the EU’s intention to remain a key partner in Africa’s peace and stability efforts.