Somalia: Washington proposes a one-year extension for UN logistical support

The United States proposed on Friday, September 18, a twelve-month withdrawal period for the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) after December 31, 2026, instead of an immediate termination of the arrangement. This extension is intended to allow the African Union mission AUSSOM to prepare for the transition from UN logistical support.

The American document serves as a negotiating position and does not yet establish a definitive timeline for closure. Mogadishu, the African Union, and troop-contributing countries had called for a longer transition period, ranging from 18 to 24 months.

Washington indicated in July that it no longer wished to support funding for the arrangement beyond 2026. The new plan outlines a twelve-month gradual reduction of UNSOS activities following the expiration of the current AUSSOM mandate, followed by the closure of the office, according to Reuters and The EastAfrican.

The issue is directly operational. UN Security Council Resolution 2809 extended AUSSOM until December 31, 2026, and authorizes the deployment of 11,826 uniformed personnel, including 680 police officers. UNSOS provides them with food, water, fuel, transportation, communications, medical support, and engineering services.

During a summit held on July 31 in Kampala, troop-contributing countries requested the continuation of UN support for 18 to 24 months to facilitate the transfer of responsibilities. The American proposal suggests a shorter duration and compels partners to expedite the search for a replacement arrangement.

The UN General Assembly has already approved $481 million for UNSOS for the current financial year. This funding is not extended by the American proposal, which stipulates that after the twelve-month withdrawal period, any remaining necessary functions and assets should be transferred or liquidated according to a timeline to be established in negotiations.