The African Union has called an emergency meeting to address the future of its military mission in Somalia, following a sudden announcement from Washington that it will end critical funding for the operation.
The US decision, driven by cited lack of progress against Islamist insurgents, creates an immediate financial and strategic vacuum for the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
The emergency summit aims to determine how the bloc will sustain its security operations without the primary external financial backer.
This development marks a significant escalation in the diplomatic and security challenges facing the region.
The withdrawal of US support underscores growing frustration with the pace of the counter-terrorism campaign and places the burden of funding and strategy squarely on African member states and alternative international partners.
The situation in Somalia remains volatile, with recent heavy rains causing flooding in Mogadishu and disrupting transport, further complicating logistical efforts for both humanitarian and military actors.