AU peace and security council commits $20m to crisis reserve fund

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The African Union Peace and Security Council (AU-PSC) has resolved to increase the African Union’s Crisis Reserve Facility to US$ 20 million for 2025.

The commitment, Council's contribution towards the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM's) activities was announced during the 1287th session chaired by Uganda on Thursday, July 3.

The CRF is a key component of the AU Peace Fund, designed to provide rapid financial support for the AU's peace and security activities, particularly during the start-up phase of new operations or in response to unforeseen emergencies. 

It aims to enable timely and effective interventions in conflict situations, supporting the AU's efforts to promote peace and stability across the continent. 

The meeting chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, further called for enhanced international coordination.

The high-level meeting convened senior officials from the Federal Republic of Somalia, the African Union Commission, the United Nations, IGAD, the European Union and AU Member States.

Delegates argued that the AU Commission should ask bilateral and multilateral partners to convene a targeted resource mobilisation conference to bridge funding gaps and reinforce AUSSOM’s mandate.

A release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that the meeting also underscored the strategic necessity of complementing security interventions with long-term political and socio-economic recovery efforts. 

Council members called for renewed focus on inclusive governance, dialogue between the federal Government and Federal Member States, and community-driven post-conflict reconstruction and development to ensure sustainable peace.

Delegates also discussed the evolving security dynamics in Somalia and assessed the strategic direction of the African Union. 

Opening the session, Minister Odongo honoured the memory of Ugandan peacekeepers who died in a military helicopter crash on July 2, 2025, near Mogadishu while serving under AUSSOM.

He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, praising the fallen personnel as heroes of peace and continental solidarity. 

He reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to peace and stability in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa, describing it as “unwavering”.

Appreciating the courageous response of Somali Security Forces and AU personnel in countering insurgency and safeguarding communities, delegates also discussed the threats posed by violent extremist groups, particularly Al-Shabaab. 

Delegates also emphasised the service of uniformed personnel, particularly the AUSSOM and mourned Ugandan victims of the most recent plane crash in Mogadishu, which claimed Ugandan peacekeepers. 

The Council also applauded the resilience of the Somali people and the determination of national defence institutions to reclaim and protect sovereign territory.

Gen. Odongo reaffirmed Uganda’s enduring commitment to multilateral diplomacy and regional security. 

“We must not retreat,” he declared. 

“Uganda remains ready to work with all African Union Member States, Somalia’s government, and the broader international community to build a peaceful, stable, and united Somalia.”