A3+ JOINT STATEMENT AT THE UNSC MEETING ON THE AUTHORISATON RENEWAL OF AUSSOM

  Delivered by

H.E. Ambassador Kalilu Ibrahim Totangi, Deputy Permanent Representative

and Charge D'affaires of Sierra Leone to the United Nations

23rd December 2025

Mr. President,

1. I have the honour to deliver this Explanation of Position on behalf of the A3+, namely Algeria, Guyana, Somalia and my own country, Sierra Leone.

2. Throughout the process, the A3+, guided by the principle of reflecting the views of the concerned country, engaged constructively and in good faith, advocating the priorities of Somalia, clearly articulating our concerns while remaining fully committed to meaningful dialogue with all Council members. Regrettably, some of our core concerns were not reflected in the text. The financing of AUSSOM has not been a central issue throughout the negotiations despite being the core concern.

3. That being said, the A3+ voted in favour of resolution YYYY in the spirit of compromise and in recognition of the need to have Council authorization as the basis for continued support to AUSSOM by international donors.

We express our gratitude for the Council’s continued attention and support for AUSSOM.

4. We honor the sacrifices made by the Troop Contributing Countries and the Somali National Army over the past two decades and underscore the imperative to preserve the hard-earned security gains and sacrifices made by the Federal Government of Somalia and the AU Troop Contributing Countries.

5. We reiterate our call for predictable, sustainable, and adequate funding for AUSSOM and Somali National Forces at this critical juncture. The chronic underfunding of AUSSOM seriously impedes its objectives and risks reversing the progress achieved. Undermining the security gains over the years would have dire implications for Somalia and the region.

6. In conclusion, the A3+ expresses appreciation to all partners supporting Somalia's security and its path toward sustainable peace and development. We reaffirm our commitment to Somalia's sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and political independence.

I thank you.