Somalia’s security forces still face significant capacity and coordination challenges, while political divisions continue to undermine national cohesion. A Security Mission Built on International SupportAUSSOM’s operations depend heavily on international logistical and financial support, particularly through the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS). The Somali security forces must be prepared to assume responsibilities gradually and sustainably rather than being forced into an abrupt takeover for which they may not yet be adequately prepared. A premature reduction in international support could create vulnerabilities that Al-Shabaab would be quick to exploit. With 56 bases, nearly 12,000 African troops and an operational structure heavily dependent on international support, the scale of Somalia’s security dependence has rarely been more visible.