Kenya Asks EU to Prioritize War Against Al Shabaab
Ethiomonitor -Addis Ababa
September 22, 2025
Kenya has urged Cyprus to prioritize the war against Al Shabaab when it assumes the European Union (EU) Council Presidency early in 2026. The appeal comes amidst concerns of diminishing international attention towards Somalia, which, according to Kenyan officials, threatens to undo recent regional security gains.
In United Nations General Assembly discussions, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi underscored the value of sustained international interest.
“Declining international interest in Somalia can undermine regional security gains,” he warned.
Mudavadi said the remainder of the international community was getting “growing fatigue” with several conflicts vying for its attention, and this resulted in a dramatic drop in sympathy for Somalia.
“Countries like Kenya have been left with heavy responsibilty in this war,” he stated, reflecting the burden carried by countries combating terrorism in the region.
So far, Kenya has deployed approximately 3,000 troops in Somalia as part of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
Mudavadi cautioned that a premature Kenyan withdrawal would create a huge security vacuum that few international players are willing or prepared to address.
The situatiin now is worsened by a budget crisis in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
AUSSOM requires an estimated budget of $166.5 million each year, yet the AU has committed only $16.7 million so far.
In addition, UN Resolution 2719 for the establishment of a framework for UN budget support has not been adopted, leaving a huge deficit in the funds.
As Cyprus prepares to take the EU Presidency for the second time since 2012, Kenya’s call reminds us of the need for an international collective action to the Al Shabaab threats and overall ramifications for regional stability.
