Uganda says it has begun withdrawing its troops from Somalia as part of a phased drawdown expected to end its nearly two-decade military deployment in support of efforts to combat the Al-Shabaab insurgency.
The country has about 4,500 troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), according to state media. However, the number of additional troops deployed under a separate bilateral arrangement remains unclear.
Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) spokesperson, Chris Magezi, said the initial phase of the withdrawal involved troops deployed under the bilateral arrangement with the Somali Government.
“UPDF has embarked on the drawdown of troops deployed in Somalia under bilateral arrangements with Somalia’s Federal Government, effective immediately,” Magezi said in a statement, adding that the first group had already returned home.
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He said Uganda would gradually withdraw all its forces from Somalia, including those serving under AUSSOM, by the end of 2027.
In a letter dated October 31 to the UN Support Office in Somalia, AUSSOM warned that the withdrawal could leave parts of the Lower Shabelle region vulnerable to attacks by Al-Shabaab.
Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Omar, said: “Things are not dire now, but it could create problems if their troops suddenly pull out.”
Al-Shabaab has waged an insurgency against the Somali Government for about two decades, seeking to seize power and impose its strict interpretation of Islamic law.
The group continues to carry out bombings and gun attacks against military and civilian targets across the country.
SOURCE: Reuters
