The Federal Government issues new statement on the withdrawal of African troops

Mogadishu (Caasimada Online) – The Minister of Information of Somalia, Mr. Abdifatah Qasim has elaborated on the plan for the withdrawal of the African Union peacekeeping forces from the country, amid strong discussions that have arisen regarding their departure.

Qasim revealed that the plan for the withdrawal of foreign troops is underway, and that the Somali government is prepared to take over the security of the country.

He also dismissed fears that Al-Shabaab could take over the country if the long-stationed African forces leave.

“The African forces in our country are leaving and there is no fear or concern that Al-Shabaab will seize the country. AUSSOM is not Somali and they will not remain; they have reached a stage where they will leave, but it is illogical to think that if AUSSOM leaves, security will collapse; that logic is very poor,” said Abdifatah Qasim.

The Minister of Information also noted that Somali forces have already taken over areas recently vacated by Ugandan troops, and that there is an ongoing plan to take over bases located in the Lower Shabelle region from those forces.

“The government is ready to secure its safety now in the areas they have left, such as Barawe, the government has taken over, and in parts of Lower Shabelle, the forces will take over,” the minister added.

This statement comes as the commander of the Ugandan forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, recently stated that all his troops will leave the country by August 2027. However, the latest statement from the Ugandan military, issued on November 2, set the overall withdrawal deadline for the end of 2027.

The military spokesperson, Major General Chris Magezi, has stated that the first step is to withdraw the troops stationed under the agreement between the two countries. The troops of the African Union mission AUSSOM will also gradually exit the country.

However, the withdrawal comes at a time when AUSSOM is facing financial constraints and uncertainty regarding the support it relies on for its forces.