The United Nations has begun reducing its civilian staff and planning to sell some of its assets in Somalia, as a deepening financial crisis threatens the supply chain supporting the African Union mission in Somalia.
At least 10 civilian staff members in the African Union-United Nations Information Support Team (AU-UN IST) have been informed that their contracts will be terminated on 10 September.
A source familiar with the matter said that more staff could be laid off in the coming weeks and months, as the UN tries to reduce costs.
Meanwhile, the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) is seeking companies to handle the sale of UN assets, including vehicles, engines, heavy equipment, technology, medical equipment and shelters.
The sale of these assets comes amid growing concerns about the future of UN support for the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
UNSOS has long been the logistical backbone of the African Union mission in Somalia, providing services including transport, aviation, medical, communications, accommodation and engineering services.
The UNSOS budget for the 2026-27 financial year is estimated at approximately $481.7 million, down from the $520.6 million approved last year.
However, UNSOS support for AUSSOM faces an imminent deadline, with the current Security Council authorization expiring on December 31.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Washington is opposed to continuing to authorize UNSOS support for AUSSOM beyond the end of this year.
This raises concerns that the African Union mission is facing logistical and funding challenges.
