African Union forces in Somalia are set to withdraw from three key positions in the southern region of Lower Shabelle in early November. According to Somali security sources, the Somali National Army will assume control of these sites and take responsibility for security in the surrounding areas. The withdrawal is part of a broader plan to reduce and redeploy foreign troops serving under the African Union mission in Somalia.
The African Union mission has informed Somali federal government agencies of the planned withdrawal, although the locations and precise handover schedule remain unconfirmed. Somali security sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that most Ugandan troops will be concentrated in Mogadishu, particularly at the Halane compound. The remaining troops at Halane will be among the last to stay in Somalia until the mission concludes.
The planned withdrawal comes amid Somalia's security transition, which aims to gradually transfer responsibility from international forces to national security institutions. Efforts are being made to strengthen the capabilities of Somali troops, but the federal government has raised concerns about the ability of Somali forces to assume full responsibility for security across the country at once.
African Union forces have played a central role in Somalia's security operations, supporting government forces in the fight against Al-Shabaab and helping secure key government installations. A withdrawal from the three reported positions would require Somali forces to take on additional security responsibilities in the affected areas. The impact of the withdrawal will depend on the timing of the handover, the deployment of Somali troops, and the security situation on the ground.
According to security sources, the Somali National Army is expected to assume control of the positions and take responsibility for security in the surrounding areas. However, the federal government has previously highlighted the challenges facing the transition, including concerns about the readiness of Somali forces to take on full security responsibilities.
The African Union mission's official position on the three locations, the number of troops involved, and the proposed redeployment schedule was not immediately available. Garowe Online could not independently verify the reported plans, and the security sources who spoke to them did so on condition of anonymity.
The withdrawal of African Union troops from key bases in Somalia has significant implications for the country's security situation. As the Somali National Army prepares to take on additional responsibilities, the federal government must address concerns about the readiness of its forces to assume full control of security operations.
Key points
- African Union forces to withdraw from three positions in Lower Shabelle
- Somali National Army to assume control of the positions and take responsibility for security
- Withdrawal part of broader plan to reduce and redeploy foreign troops serving under African Union mission
