Somalia Urges Financial Independence and Stronger African Union Peace Fund

Somalia has urged the African Union to strengthen its Peace Fund and ensure sustainable funding for peace and security operations. State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ali Mohamed Omar made the remarks at an extraordinary session of the African Union Executive Council in Accra, Ghana. He emphasized the need for a self-reliant financial system to address Africa's growing challenges. Omar stressed that sustainable financial resources are essential for the bloc's peace, security, and development priorities.

The Somali minister highlighted the importance of implementing the Kigali Decision, which introduced a 0.2 percent levy on eligible imports into African countries. This funding mechanism aims to provide the African Union with a predictable source of revenue and reduce its reliance on international partners. Omar welcomed proposed cooperation with African multilateral financial institutions, describing such partnerships as crucial for strengthening the continent's financial capacity.

Omar thanked the Ghanaian government for hosting the meeting and expressed support for ongoing reforms aimed at consolidating the mandates and functions of the African Union Commission. These reforms are part of broader efforts to improve institutional efficiency and coordination. He acknowledged the contributions of AU member states to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) through the bloc's Peace Fund.

Somalia has been a major focus of the African Union's peace and security efforts, with AUSSOM supporting Somali security forces in their fight against Al-Shabaab militants. The mission, which began operations in January 2025, replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Omar emphasized the importance of African-led solutions to the continent's challenges, calling for stronger unity, cooperation, and financial self-reliance among member states.

The African Union's peace and security efforts in Somalia are part of broader efforts to gradually transfer security responsibilities to Somali forces. AUSSOM is supporting Somali security forces in their fight against Al-Shabaab militants and efforts to stabilize the country. The mission is crucial in helping Somalia to achieve peace and stability.

Omar's remarks come amid continuing discussions within the African Union over the sustainability of peace operations, institutional reforms, and the need to mobilize domestic resources to finance the bloc's priorities. The African Union is working to improve its financial sustainability and reduce its dependence on external funding. This includes exploring new funding mechanisms and strengthening partnerships with African multilateral financial institutions.

The call for financial independence and a stronger African Union Peace Fund is part of Somalia's efforts to promote African-led solutions to the continent's challenges. Somalia's State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation emphasized the need for stronger unity, cooperation, and financial self-reliance among member states. This approach is crucial in helping the African Union to address Africa's growing challenges and achieve peace and stability.

Key points

• Somalia urges African Union member states to strengthen the bloc's Peace Fund
• The Kigali Decision introduced a 0.2 percent levy on eligible imports to finance the African Union's activities
• Somalia emphasizes the importance of African-led solutions to the continent's challenges