United Nations reduces Somalia presence amid funding crisis

The United Nations has begun downsizing its presence in Somalia, implementing staff cuts and preparing to sell mission assets due to a deepening funding crisis. The United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) has issued notices to seek firms for the commercial sale of equipment, including vehicles, heavy machinery, IT assets, and medical equipment.

These reductions impact the logistical infrastructure supporting the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which relies on UNSOS for aviation, transport, communications, and engineering services. The United States, the largest contributor to UNSOS, has announced it will end its funding by December 31, 2026.

Concurrently, the United Nations Transition Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) is expected to gradually transfer responsibilities to Somali authorities by October 2026. While the Somali government has expressed readiness to assume greater security responsibilities, uncertainty remains regarding the future funding of African troops in the region and the potential impact on the humanitarian situation, where 3.8 million people are internally displaced.