Somali police warn of Ugandan soldiers' withdrawal
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Caasimada Online
General Abdalla Abdalla, deputy commander of the Somali police, says the withdrawal of Ugandan soldiers risks creating a security vacuum in Mogadishu and its surroundings. Uganda plans a phased withdrawal of its forces, including those in AUSSOM, through the end of 2027, reports Caasimada.
The deputy commander of the Somali police, Brigadier General Cabdalla Cabdalla Maxamed, warned on Friday that the withdrawal of Ugandan soldiers could create a security vacuum and threaten security in Mogadishu and its surroundings. He believes Somali forces are not sufficiently prepared to take on this responsibility alone, he wrote on Facebook, according to Caasimada Online.
The warning comes after a first group of soldiers deployed in Somalia under a bilateral agreement returned to Uganda. The other soldiers concerned are expected to follow. Ugandan forces participating in AUSSOM, the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia, must also leave the country gradually, with the withdrawal due to be completed by the end of 2027 at the latest, according to Lieutenant Colonel Chris Magezi, Uganda's acting military spokesperson.
The withdrawal particularly affects Lower Shabelle, where Ugandan soldiers hold positions along routes used by Somali and African forces. African Union troops are to take over several bases, including at Sabiid-Caanoole, Bariire, Awdheegle and Buulo Nagaad, according to Caasimada Online.
The new warning comes after the departure of 109 Ugandan soldiers from Somalia on 30 October and that of 107 others by air on 1 November. It also comes after the deployment of African Union troops to replace Ugandan soldiers announced on 3 November.
