By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter
KAMPALA (Dawan) – July 29, 2026 – A high-level summit taking place at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala is expected to determine the future of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), including how the mission will continue, where its funding will come from, the military capabilities required and how to prevent a potential security vacuum in Somalia.
The summit is scheduled to run from July 29 to 31, 2026. The first day will bring together military commanders from countries contributing forces to AUSSOM, while defence ministers will meet on the second day. On July 31, heads of state and government from troop-contributing countries and supporting partners are expected to gather to make political decisions on the future direction of the mission.
Uganda, Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Egypt, Kenya and Somalia are participating in the summit, alongside senior officials from the African Union, the United Nations and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
The discussions are expected to produce recommendations on Somalia’s security situation and the future of AUSSOM. These recommendations will then guide decisions by regional and international bodies involved in approving and supporting the mission.
A similar process took place after the 2025 summit, when decisions were submitted to the African Union Peace and Security Council for consideration before being forwarded to the United Nations Security Council as part of the approval process. The 2026 summit outcome is expected to follow a similar path, although the final process will depend on the official communiqué issued after the meeting.
Why is the Kampala Summit Important?
The current authorisation for AUSSOM expires on December 31, 2026. Any extension, adjustment or replacement of the mission will require a new decision by the United Nations Security Council.
The summit comes at a critical stage in Somalia’s security transition, as the country continues efforts to strengthen its own security institutions while relying on international support to maintain stability and counter armed groups, particularly Al-Shabaab.
African Union forces have maintained a presence in Somalia since 2007, meaning the mission has operated in the country for more than 19 years through different phases, including the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), and now AUSSOM.
Throughout these missions, African Union forces have supported Somali security forces by protecting strategic locations, supporting offensive operations, and securing key infrastructure.
Where Does AUSSOM Operate?
AUSSOM currently operates in several strategically important areas across Somalia, including:
Banadir and Lower Shabelle;
Jubaland, including the Juba regions and Gedo;
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Bay and Bakool;
Hiiraan and Galgaduud;
Middle Shabelle.
The mission supports Somali forces in protecting major population centres, state capitals, airports, ports and facilities belonging to the African Union and United Nations.
Its role is also linked to Somalia’s broader security transition, as Somali forces gradually assume greater responsibility for national security.
What Are the Main Challenges Facing AUSSOM?
The central issue expected to dominate discussions in Kampala is funding. Maintaining a multinational security mission requires significant financial resources for troop salaries, logistics, equipment, operations and support systems.
The question facing African countries and international partners is whether they can agree on a sustainable financial and military framework to keep AUSSOM operational beyond 2026.
Without a clear funding arrangement, officials and security experts have warned that Somalia could face risks linked to reduced international military support, potentially creating gaps that armed groups could exploit.
The summit will also examine the number of troops required, the responsibilities of contributing countries, and how AUSSOM’s mandate should evolve as Somali security forces continue expanding their role.
Will AUSSOM Continue After December 2026?
The main question emerging from the Kampala summit is whether African countries and international partners will secure the political commitment and financial resources needed to extend AUSSOM, or whether the mission will conclude when its current mandate expires at the end of December 2026.
The outcome of the meeting could shape Somalia’s security landscape for years ahead, determining whether the country’s transition toward full national security responsibility continues with international backing or faces new challenges during a sensitive period.