The United States abstained from voting on a United Nations Security Council resolution regarding the African Union Stabilization and Support Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), citing concerns over funding mechanisms.
Ambassador Dorothy Shea, Deputy Representative to the UN, emphasized America’s enduring commitment to African Union peace support operations and Somalia’s stability during her address on December 27, 2024.
Ambassador Shea expressed gratitude to troop- and police-contributing nations for their sacrifices and honored those who lost their lives in service. She acknowledged the significance of combating al-Shabaab and other terrorist threats in Somalia. 
“The United States has supported AU peace support operations in Somalia from the beginning, contributing a quarter of the annual budget of the UN Support and Stabilization Office in Somalia (UNSOS),” Shea stated.
While underscoring U.S. support for Resolution 2719, which outlines a framework for UN contributions to AU missions, Shea argued that the proposed “hybrid” funding model diverges from its intent.
She explained, “The new model would result in UN assessed contributions funding over 90 percent of the mission’s costs, which contradicts Resolution 2719’s principle of a 75 percent funding cap.”
Shea reaffirmed U.S. dedication to Somalia’s security and the African Union’s peacekeeping efforts, noting that bilateral U.S. assistance to Somalia exceeds $1.2 billion annually.
Despite abstaining, Shea assured the Council that the United States remains committed to supporting Somalia and collaborating with African and UN partners.
“We will support both institutions as they work to set up this tool for success and, most importantly, support Somalia in combating threats to its security and stability,” she concluded.
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