By Mohamed Abdi - Reporter
Somalia, 23 December 2025 The UN Security Council on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved a decision to extend the mandate of the African Union Mission in Support of Somalia (AUSSOM) for an additional year, now set to end on 31 December 2026.
This resolution, proposed by the United Kingdom, received the backing of all 15 members of the Security Council. It was also decided that all operations of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) will be concluded by 31 October 2026.
After the vote, the UK Deputy Ambassador to the UN, Archie Young, welcomed the approval of the resolution, stating that AUSSOM's role is “essential” for strengthening Somalia's security and stability. Young noted that the resolution clearly addresses the challenges of financial constraints faced by AUSSOM and the financial difficulties encountered by the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), emphasizing that the decision allows for a well-informed review of the logistical support the UN provides.
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He added that for international support to be effective in Somalia, it is crucial that the Security Council's decisions are based on a comprehensive understanding of the domestic conditions in Somalia, where AUSSOM operates.
Since July, Somali national forces, supported by AUSSOM and international allies, have intensified military operations against the Al-Shabaab group, which is linked to Al-Qaeda and operates in the southern and central regions of Somalia.
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