African Union mission in Somalia in doubt after US funding cut

Several African nations have gathered in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, this week for talks on the future of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia, commonly known as AUSSOM. The meeting comes at a critical time, following the United States' announcement that it will withdraw funding from the mission at the end of this year.

AUSSOM was established with the primary objective of combating Al Shabab, a militant group active in Somalia. However, the planned withdrawal of US financial support has cast doubt over the mission's viability. Regional leaders and military officials are now facing difficult questions about how, or even whether, their forces can continue operations without this backing.

The situation on the ground is being closely monitored. Our correspondent Tom Canetti, reporting from the Somali region, spoke to a refugee who was displaced after Al Shabab advanced to his village. The refugee's account sheds light on the ongoing challenges and the human impact of the conflict.

The discussions in Kampala are expected to address potential alternatives for funding and support, as well as the broader strategy for regional security. While no immediate solutions have been announced, the outcome of these talks will be crucial for the future of the mission and for stability in Somalia.