In a diplomatic note to the African Union seen by Reuters, the US has vowed to block any spending of UN funds on the AU Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

Its withdrawal would require the African Union and troop-contributing countries to secure alternative funding and support arrangements if the mission continues beyond 2026.

Washington said its decision was due the government’s lack of progress in containing the al-Shabaab group or in taking ownership of its own security.