MOGADISHU, Somalia — August 17, 2026 — Somalia and Türkiye are seeking financial backing from wealthy Arab countries to sustain African Union troops in Mogadishu for another two years, according to officials familiar with the initiative, as sources report that the United States has threatened to veto any related funding arrangement pursued through the United Nations.

The proposed financing would primarily support African Union forces based around the heavily fortified Halane compound, including Ugandan troops responsible for protecting strategic installations and important security corridors in the Somali capital.

Two representatives acting on behalf of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud recently travelled to Qatar after passing through Ankara, according to sources briefed on the diplomatic effort.

The representatives are also expected to visit Egypt and ask Cairo to help approach Saudi Arabia over possible financial assistance, the sources said. Details about the amount being sought and the proposed payment mechanism were not immediately available.

Somalia, Türkiye, Qatar, Egypt and Saudi Arabia have not publicly confirmed the reported discussions or announced any financial commitments.

The initiative comes as the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, known as AUSSOM, faces continued uncertainty over predictable and sustainable financing.

Sources familiar with the matter said Washington had warned that it could use its veto power at the United Nations Security Council against any funding mechanism mobilized by the Somali government if it required implementation or logistical administration through the United Nations Support Office in Somalia, or UNSOS.

No public statement reviewed for this report confirms that the United States has formally issued such a threat. The reported US position could not be independently verified, and American officials have not publicly commented on the specific diplomatic initiative involving Somalia, Türkiye and Arab governments.

Any Security Council veto would apply only to a proposal requiring council approval. Direct bilateral financial assistance provided outside the United Nations system would be subject to separate arrangements between the participating governments and the African Union.

Funding Pressure on AUSSOM

AUSSOM replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia at the beginning of 2025. Its mandate includes supporting Somali security forces, degrading Al-Shabaab and assisting the gradual transfer of security responsibilities to national institutions.

UNSOS provides logistical support to African Union personnel and designated Somali security forces under mandates approved by the Security Council. Its assistance includes operational supplies, transportation, medical evacuation and other logistical services required for deployments.

The African Union and United Nations have repeatedly warned that inadequate financing could weaken the mission’s operational capacity. A November 2025 AU-UN communiqué described AUSSOM’s financial position as dire and called for predictable funding while stressing the importance of maintaining UNSOS logistical support.

The African Union Peace and Security Council is examining whether some of the shortfall could be covered through the organisation’s own financing arrangements, according to sources. No final decision or detailed funding package has been announced.

The AU’s proposed 2026 budget included increased spending for peace-support operations linked to the transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM. African Union officials have also continued diplomatic efforts to mobilize resources from member states and international partners.

Uganda’s Security Role

Uganda has been one of the longest-serving and most significant troop contributors to African Union operations in Somalia. Its forces have played a central role in securing parts of Mogadishu, including government institutions, strategic roads and facilities near the international airport.

The African Union publicly thanked Uganda in April 2026 for the sacrifices made by its personnel in Somalia and reaffirmed efforts to raise funds for AUSSOM.

A prolonged funding shortage could affect troop allowances, transportation, medical support and the mission’s capacity to hold strategic positions. It could also place additional pressure on Somali forces at a time when Al-Shabaab continues to conduct attacks and contest territory.

There has been no announcement that Ugandan forces are preparing to withdraw from Mogadishu. The reported two-year financing proposal appears intended to prevent disruption and maintain the existing deployment while Somalia strengthens its own security institutions.

Somalia and Türkiye are expected to continue discussions with Arab governments, according to the sources. Any proposed contribution would require agreement on how the funds would be transferred, administered and monitored.

If the arrangement depends on UNSOS or another mechanism authorized by the Security Council, it could face negotiations among the council’s permanent members. A direct contribution to the African Union or a bilateral funding mechanism could follow a different route, although oversight and sustainability would remain central questions.

Officials from the governments named in the report had not issued formal responses at the time of publication.

AUSSOM’s funding crisis has direct consequences for security in Mogadishu and other areas where African Union troops support Somali forces. Delayed or insufficient financing could restrict operations, weaken logistical capacity and complicate the planned transfer of responsibilities to Somalia.

Seeking Arab financing could broaden Somalia’s pool of security partners and reduce dependence on a small group of traditional donors. It could also introduce competing diplomatic interests into negotiations over the future of the African Union mission.