107 Ugandan soldiers leave Somalia by air
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on UG Diplomat
A second flight left Mogadishu on 31 October carrying 107 Ugandan soldiers, bringing to 216 the number of military personnel reported to have departed in two days. Baidoa Online reports that the departure is part of Uganda’s withdrawal from Somalia, launched after nearly 20 years of military presence.
A second plane carrying 107 Ugandan soldiers left Mogadishu on Saturday 31 October, according to Baidoa Online, cited by UG Diplomat. The number of passengers has not been independently confirmed.
This departure follows that of 109 soldiers on Friday 30 October, bringing to 216 the number of military personnel reported to have been evacuated on the two flights. Ugandan authorities have not published an official count of the personnel concerned. The departure comes after the announcement on 29 October by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, head of the Ugandan Defence Forces, that the withdrawal had begun.
Uganda deployed its first soldiers to Somalia in March 2007. Its troops have taken part in African Union operations against the armed group Al-Shabaab and remain a major contributor to AUSSOM, the African Union mission supporting Somali forces in counter-terrorism efforts and the transfer of security responsibilities.
The withdrawal has raised concerns in Lower Shabelle, a region south of Mogadishu where Ugandan troops are present. Baidoa Online names Barawe, Bulo Marer, Qoryoley and Janaale among the areas that could be affected. The departure of the two groups does not confirm a complete withdrawal: the scale of the operation and the timetable for the remaining departures have not been established. The first flight carried 109 Ugandan soldiers.
