The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is a multidimensional African Union-led peace support mission approved by the United Nations (UN). The new mission was endorsed by the AU Peace and Security Council on 1 August 2024 and subsequently authorised by the UN Security Council (UNSC) on 27 December 2024, under Resolution 2767, for an initial period of 12 months.
AUSSOM is a successor mission to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and came into effect on 1 January 2025, with clear timelines as stipulated in the revised Concept of Operations (CONOPs) and the Joint Report.
It will focus on stabilisation, security and state-building priorities, aiming to transfer full security responsibilities to Somali security forces by December 2029. This will be achieved through a phased approach comprising four stages, carefully considering Somalia’s unique situation.
AUSSOM is expected to deploy a more agile and mobile force to support Somali security forces in their efforts to degrade Al-Shabaab and affiliates linked to ISIL/Daesh, promoting stability in Somalia. The new mission is aligned to the Somalia Security Development Plan (SSDP) and National Security Architecture (NSA).
AUSSOM will comprise military, police and civilian components, to facilitate the implementation of its mandate in support of the SSDP. It will be constituted by Troop and Police Contributing Countries (TCCs) approved by the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS).
The UNSC mandates the AU to deploy 11,826 uniformed personnel, including 680 police personnel, until 31 December 2025, and endorsed the AU Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) decision to draw down 800 uniformed personnel by the end of December 2025.
Somalia will prioritise implementation of the SSDP and the NSA, focusing on developing accountable, affordable, self-sustaining and capable security forces. This will facilitate an orderly transfer of security responsibilities from AUSSOM to the Somali forces.
The African Union will establish a clear command and control structure for AUSSOM, ensuring coordinated decision-making under the Force Commander and Sector Commanders. This will include accountability for mission-enabling units, such as air assets, and the strategic deployment of mobile forces to enhance operational effectiveness.