Ethiopia Pledges Continued Somalia Mission Despite Mounting Domestic Crises and Looming End of U.S. Support

Mogadishu (WDN) – Ethiopia has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting peace and security in Somalia, even as serious questions emerge over whether Addis Ababa possesses the economic and military capacity to sustain a prolonged deployment after the United States ends logistical support for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) at the end of December 2026.

The renewed pledge comes at a pivotal moment for Somalia’s security architecture. Washington has confirmed that it will terminate funding for critical logistical support to AUSSOM on 31 December 2026, creating uncertainty over how the mission will sustain thousands of peacekeepers operating across Somalia.

In a statement, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said its position was reaffirmed during a special summit in Kampala, Uganda, attended by leaders of troop-contributing countries. Addis Ababa stressed that it remains committed to preserving the gains made against Al-Shabaab and will continue working closely with the African Union, the Federal Government of Somalia, and international partners.

Ethiopia also highlighted that its forces have served in Somalia for more than two decades, describing their contribution as central to efforts aimed at stabilizing both Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa.