The Ugandan army has announced that it will begin withdrawing its troops from Somalia by the end of 2027. The announcement was made by Chris Magezi, spokesperson for the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF). According to Magezi, the UPDF will progressively withdraw all its forces present in Somalia, including those deployed as part of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (Aussom).
The Ugandan army has been present in Somalia for 20 years, as part of a bilateral agreement between the two countries and through its participation in Aussom. The mission is a major component of the African Union's efforts to stabilize Somalia, which has been plagued by insurgent groups, including the Al-Qaeda-linked shebab. According to a Ugandan security source, between one-third and half of the 12,000 soldiers and police officers deployed as part of Aussom are Ugandans.
The withdrawal of Ugandan troops from Somalia has raised concerns about the security situation in the country. The shebab continue to control large swaths of territory, and an ambush by the group likely killed a significant number of Somali soldiers last week. The Somali government has confirmed that it has killed many insurgents, but has not disclosed its own casualties.
The Ugandan troops play a crucial role in securing a strategic sector for the Somali federal government, including the capital Mogadiscio, its port, and airport. The troops have often been praised for their commitment to the mission in Somalia. A first contingent of Ugandan troops has already returned to Uganda, and the withdrawal of troops deployed under bilateral agreements is expected to be completed in the coming days.
In addition to its participation in Aussom, Uganda has also deployed between 2,000 and 2,500 soldiers to Somalia under a bilateral agreement signed between Kampala and Mogadiscio in late 2024. The agreement allows for Ugandan troops to operate in Somalia outside of the Aussom framework.
The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (Aussom) took over from previous African Union forces that have been deployed in Somalia since 2007. The mission aims to provide support and stabilization to the Somali government and people.
The withdrawal of Ugandan troops from Somalia may have implications for the security situation in the country and the region. Other forces that are part of the Aussom may also consider withdrawing their troops, which could further exacerbate the security challenges facing Somalia.
Key points
- The Ugandan army will withdraw its troops from Somalia by the end of 2027.
- The withdrawal has raised concerns about the security situation in Somalia.
- The Ugandan troops play a crucial role in securing a strategic sector for the Somali federal government.
