Somalia and Uganda prepare AUSSOM withdrawal
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on UG Diplomat
Somalia and Uganda have reviewed the gradual withdrawal of troops from the AUSSOM mission and the transfer of security responsibilities to Somali forces. The discussions also covered training and support for the Somali army, during a meeting in Barawe, according to UG Diplomat, published on 5 November 2026.
Somalia and Uganda have reviewed the gradual withdrawal of troops from the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), as well as the transfer of security responsibilities to Somali forces. The discussions brought together Colonel Justus Musenene, commander of Uganda’s 45th Battle Group, and General Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud, chief of staff of the Somali armed forces, at the headquarters of the 8th Brigade of the Somali National Army in Embresso, near Barawe, according to UG Diplomat.
The two officials also discussed training, capacity-building and mentoring programmes intended to increase the operational autonomy of Somali forces. General Mohamud praised the work of AUSSOM troops, while Colonel Musenene called on Somali forces to consolidate the gains made in joint operations.
The meeting follows the announcement on 3 November that the Ugandan AUSSOM contingent would remain in Somalia. AUSSOM succeeded the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to support the gradual assumption of security responsibilities by Somali forces.
