European Peace Facility: support for the military component of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia 12:00 The Political and Security Committee of the[...]

The Political and Security Committee of the Council of the EU has approved support under the European Peace Facility (EPF) for the military component of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

This support will strengthen AUSSOM's operational readiness and ability to deliver its mandate in full compliance with international human rights law and international humanitarian law. The support measure will help maintain security and protect civilians in areas affected by Al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups.

The EU will provide an additional €75 million, bringing its total support to successive AU-led missions in Somalia under the EPF to almost €2.8 billion since 2007.

The funding will mainly cover troop allowances for personnel deployed in Somalia, as well as non-lethal equipment and related services.

Background

The EPF was established in March 2021 for the financing of actions under the common foreign and security policy to prevent conflicts, preserve peace and strengthen international security and stability. In particular, the EPF allows the EU to finance military aspects of peace support operations led by a regional or international organisation or by third States as well as actions designed to strengthen the capacities of third States and regional and international organisations relating to military and defence matters.

The EU remains the largest direct contributor to successive missions in Somalia led by the AU.

Under the EU's integrated approach to external conflicts and crises, funding for AUSSOM under the EPF forms part of wider EU support for peace and security in Somalia and across the Horn of Africa. This includes capacity-building support for the Somali National Army to enable the gradual transfer of security responsibilities.

• European Peace Facility (background information)
• EU cooperation on security and defence (background information)

European Peace Facility (infographic)