Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Atty on Thursday called for sustainable financing for the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), warning that failure to secure resources could undermine years of international efforts to rebuild the country's institutions. Speaking at a high-level meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Abdel-Atty said adequate funding for the mission was essential to Somalia's security and stability, with wider implications for the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea, and global security. He welcomed the momentum following the UN Security Council's decision to lift the arms embargo on Somalia, which allowed countries including Egypt to provide direct support to the Somali National Army in its fight against the al Shabaab militant group. He also cited debt relief for Somalia and its recent election to the Security Council as positive steps. Abdel-Atty said Egypt continues to work with the Somali government, the UN, the African Union, and international partners to strengthen stability in Somalia, stressing the importance of financing AUSSOM through the African Peace Fund. He also pointed to ongoing plans to deploy military, police, and air units within the mission, as well as additional forces outside its framework. He urged Somali leaders to accelerate the political process, finalise a new constitution, agree on electoral models and reinforce inclusive state institutions. "Failing to secure sustainable funding risks jeopardising the collective gains achieved in rebuilding Somalia and stabilising the Horn of Africa," Abdel-Atty said as per a ministry statement. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
