UN Puts Somalia Mission Assets Up for Sale As U.S. Funding Cutoff Looms

**MOGADISHU, Somalia** — The United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) has initiated a tender seeking licensed auctioneers to sell a wide range of mission assets, including vehicles, generators, and equipment, according to a notice published on the UN Global Marketplace.

The call for expressions of interest, issued on August 6, coincides with moves by Washington to cut off funding for the UN logistical support mission by the end of 2026. This development adds uncertainty to international backing for Somalia’s ongoing campaign against al-Shabab.

UNSOS provides vital logistical backing to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), delivering transport, fuel, food, and other non-lethal supplies to approximately 12,000 African troops and police officers. A reduction in this support network could impact the operational capabilities of the mission.

Under the tender terms, UNSOS aims to establish a local contract for the commercial sale of UN-owned property. The initial agreement will run for three months, with provisions for up to three additional three-month extensions based on performance and operational requirements.

The inventory of items designated for sale includes vehicles, generators, IT hardware, office furniture, shipping containers, security watchtowers, wastewater treatment plants, prefabricated accommodation materials, medical and laboratory equipment, electrical appliances, and heavy construction machinery. UNSOS noted that the inventory is indicative and subject to expansion.

Interested firms face a registration deadline of August 11, five days following the publication of the notice.

Civil society analysts in Mogadishu have noted that the auction notice lacks a detailed mechanism for independent oversight, raising concerns that a lack of transparency could affect public trust and potentially lead to the diversion of property.

While the auction notice does not explicitly connect the sale to the funding dispute, it follows a July 1 letter from the United States expressing concern over Somalia’s progress against al-Shabab, as well as its management of security and governance matters. Washington has also resisted extending UN logistical support for AUSSOM beyond current arrangements.

Somalia has been engaged in a conflict with al-Shabab for nearly two decades, during which the militant group has retained control over portions of the country. Leaders of nations contributing troops to AUSSOM have cautioned that a premature reduction in support could create a security vacuum.

Article and image source: allafrica.com