What is the security threat facing Somalia?

Mogadishu (Caasimada Online) – The Deputy Commander of the Somali Police Force, General Abdalla Abdalla Mohamed, has warned of a security threat that he stated the country faces if the Ugandan forces fully withdraw from Somalia.

General Abdalla Abdalla stated that the withdrawal of the Ugandan forces known as UPDF could cause a security vacuum that would affect the capital, Mogadishu, emphasizing that the security situation in the country cannot be underestimated.

“A security threat that cannot be underestimated is facing the country; the withdrawal of UPDF will lead to a security vacuum and endanger the security of the capital. Our forces are not fully prepared to take on that responsibility,” said General Abdalla Abdalla.

The Deputy Commander also mentioned that the national army is not prepared for the responsibility of defending the country that may arise from the withdrawal of the Ugandan forces, which he described as a security issue that needs to be addressed seriously.

The warning from the deputy police commander comes at a time when plans regarding the withdrawal of the Ugandan forces, part of the security support operation in Somalia, are underway, with Mogadishu being particularly important for the presence of those forces.

The remarks of the Deputy Commander have also raised questions about the views of senior security officials, with some reports indicating that Commander Asad Diyaano shares a similar perspective to that presented by Abdalla Abdalla.

However, the statement from the Deputy Commander of the Somali Police did not deny or address the Police Command, as the agency's position regarding the warning issued by this official has not been officially disclosed.

} This warning comes at a time when there are questions about the capacity of the Somali forces to fully take over the responsibility for the country's security, especially if foreign troops begin a large-scale withdrawal.