UN Scales Back Somalia Operations as International Support Wanes

Mogadishu(WDN) — The United Nations has begun reducing personnel and preparing to dispose of part of its operational assets in Somalia, as the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) faces growing financial pressures and uncertainty over the future of international security assistance.

At least 10 civilian staff members working with the AU-UN communications team have reportedly been notified that their contracts will end on September 10, with further reductions expected.

UNSOS is also preparing to dispose equipment that includes of vehicles, generators, medical equipment, computers, containers and other assets used to support international security operations in Somalia.

The developments come as the United States has indicated that it will not continue financing UNSOS after the current mandate of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) expires on December 31, 2026.