Uganda begins Somalia troop pullout after 20 years
The first contingent of 109 soldiers departed Mogadishu airport on Friday, marking the start of a withdrawal.
Uganda has started withdrawing its troops from Somalia after two decades of fighting Al-Shabaab. A Kenya-registered aircraft chartered by Uganda departed Mogadishu airport on Friday carrying 109 soldiers, the first group to leave. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni informed Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of his decision to withdraw forces before November 15, rejecting Mohamud’s request to delay the pullout.
Ugandan forces, stationed in the Lower Shabelle region, are set to hand over forward operating bases to the Somali army by November 4. Uganda first deployed troops in 2007, helping to drive Al-Shabaab from Mogadishu and other key towns. Their departure from river-crossing towns vital to Mogadishu’s security raises questions about the capital’s future safety.
Uganda People's Defence Force chief General Muhoozi Kainerugaba announced the withdrawal on Thursday, stating, “After 20 years of a lot of blood and sacrifice we are handing over security to our Somali brothers.” The withdrawal follows President Museveni's rejection of President Mohamud's plea for a delay during a visit to Uganda on Monday, October 26.
Why it mattersUganda's withdrawal of troops from Somalia after 20 years of fighting Al-Shabaab directly impacts the security of the capital, Mogadishu, and the Lower Shabelle region.