Ugandan AUSSOM contingent remains in Somalia
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on UG Diplomat
Somalia says the withdrawal of Ugandan forces deployed under bilateral arrangements does not include the contingent serving with the African Union mission AUSSOM. Somali National Security Advisor Awes Hagi Yusuf Ahmed says the contingent continues its mission with the Somali army and other partners, according to UG Diplomat.
The Ugandan contingent serving with AUSSOM, the African Union mission in Somalia, remains deployed in the country despite the ongoing withdrawal of Ugandan bilateral forces, Somalia’s National Security Advisor, Ambassador Awes Hagi Yusuf Ahmed, said. The bilateral troops operate under separate agreements between the Somali and Ugandan governments, he said.
The Ugandan army announced on 2 November that the withdrawal of these bilateral forces would be completed in the following days. It also said that all Ugandan forces, including those serving with AUSSOM, were expected to leave Somalia by the end of 2027.
Ahmed was speaking after a trilateral meeting between Somalia’s federal government, AUSSOM and the United Nations Support Office in Somalia. Participants agreed to strengthen coordination, strategic planning and logistical support for the African mission and the Somali army. They also stressed the need for sustained and predictable international support to help the country’s security transition.
The clarification follows the departure of 109 Ugandan soldiers from Somalia, reported on 30 October, and then 107 Ugandan soldiers by air, on 1 November. On 3 November, the African Union announced the deployment of troops to replace Ugandan soldiers in Somalia.
