Somalia president cancels Russia trip
Uganda threatens troop withdrawal if President Mohamud does not engage opposition
Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud canceled a planned trip to Russia this week due to security and political pressures at home. The decision followed an ambush by Al Shabaab in the Lower Shabelle region on Monday that killed dozens of Somali soldiers.
Uganda, a major contributor to the African Union force, pressed Mohamud to quickly open talks with the opposition, threatening to withdraw its troops. President Yoweri Museveni declined Mohamud's request to keep Ugandan forces in Somalia, citing economic constraints and warning of an Al-Shabaab takeover if advice was unheeded.
On Sunday, Mohamud called for dialogue with the opposition, dropping his earlier refusal to compromise on contentious issues, a shift aimed at placating Museveni. Since returning from Uganda, Mohamud has sought to ease political tensions through dialogue.
Why it mattersPresident Mohamud's security and political pressures could lead to the withdrawal of Ugandan troops, risking an Al-Shabaab takeover.