Somalia, AU and UN issue urgent donor appeal to sustain Somali Security Forces support
MOGADISHU — Somalia’s federal government, the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), and the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) on Tuesday launched an urgent appeal for new donor contributions to keep critical support flowing to Somali Security Forces.
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The call came during a Somali Security Forces (SSF) Trust Fund event in Mogadishu attended by Somalia’s National Security Advisor, the U.N. Special Representative of the Secretary-General, the Officer-in-Charge of UNSOS, ambassadors, and representatives from the diplomatic community. Senior officials from the Somali National Armed Forces, Somali Police Force, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Internal Security, and the Office of National Security also participated.
Participants underscored the SSF Trust Fund’s role in enabling Somali-led security operations and warned that additional, voluntary contributions are needed to maintain operational continuity. Officials said sustaining the minimum “life-support” package for Somali forces — including 540 metric tons of rations, 180,000 liters of fuel, and 24-hour air medical evacuation — costs about $1.2 million per month. Meeting the fund’s full mandated support requires roughly $2.3 million monthly.
Through the SSF Trust Fund, UNSOS provides logistical and operational backing to Somali forces conducting joint or coordinated operations with AUSSOM. The mandated assistance spans rations, fuel, medical evacuations, transportation, communications equipment, defense stores, and tentage for forward operating bases — capabilities Somali commanders say are essential to sustain tempo, protect personnel, and consolidate gains against security threats.
UNSOS said a growing share of goods and services are being procured from Somali suppliers, channeling resources into the local economy and strengthening national ownership of the security transition. Officials framed the approach as part of a broader effort to align support with Somali priorities while building durable systems that can be maintained domestically over time.
Anchored in a tripartite partnership among the Federal Government of Somalia, AUSSOM and UNSOS, the SSF Trust Fund is the primary vehicle for delivering life-support to Somali forces on the front lines. Speakers expressed appreciation for existing donors and urged swift action to bridge funding gaps that could jeopardize operational momentum.
Diplomatic and security officials at the event emphasized that predictable, sustained support is pivotal to safeguarding Somali troops during offensive and stabilization operations, protecting civilians, and preserving hard-won progress in peace and stability.
Countries and partners currently supporting Somalia include:
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Sweden
- Djibouti
- Ethiopia
- European Union
- Italy
- Kenya
- Qatar
- Türkiye
- Uganda
- Ireland
- Switzerland
- Canada
- France
- Russia
- Denmark
- Japan
Officials said they remain committed to close coordination with donors and partners to ensure contributions translate quickly into the rations, fuel, medevac, transport and other essentials needed by Somali forces deployed nationwide.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
