EU approves €75 million contribution to African Union mission in Somalia

BRUSSELS — The European Union and its member states have signed off on a €75 million contribution to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, cementing the bloc’s position as the mission’s biggest financial supporter.

The latest package lifts total EU assistance to a string of African Union-led operations in Somalia over the past 20 years to nearly €2.8 billion, highlighting the bloc’s enduring investment in security efforts across the Horn of Africa.

Bankole Adeoye, the AU commissioner for political affairs, peace and security, welcomed the funding and said it would bolster the mission’s work while signaling continued AU-EU cooperation to advance stability, governance and security in Somalia and the wider region.

He also commended troop-contributing countries for what he called their sacrifices in the effort to help restore peace in Somalia.

Javier Niño Pérez, head of the EU delegation to the AU, said the new support reflects the bloc’s backing for African-led peace operations, building on commitments made at the AU-EU Summit in Luanda.

He said securing Somalia remains essential to regional stability and reiterated the EU’s wider partnership with African institutions, which is aimed at supporting peace and development across the continent.

The contribution forms part of a broader EU approach to backing AU-led peace missions and governance efforts, in line with long-term frameworks including Agenda 2063.

EU says its partnership with the AU remains central to tackling security threats in Africa, from conflict prevention and counterterrorism to the destabilizing effects of climate-related pressures.

The EU has long ranked among the largest backers of AU peace operations, channeling funding, equipment and training through tools such as the European Peace Facility, which has mobilized billions of euros for African security initiatives since its launch.