Ugandan troops cede Barawe and Shalanbood to Somali army
Somali National Army assumes control of key southern towns after over a decade of Ugandan military presence.
Ugandan troops have transferred security control of the towns of Barawe and Shalanbood to the Somali National Army (SNA). This handover concludes more than 10 years of Ugandan military operations in these strategic southern Somalia locations.
The transfer encompasses military bases in Barawe, a coastal town with a port, and Shalanbood, a vital settlement on a transport corridor in the Lower Shabelle region. Ugandan military spokesman Colonel Chris Magezi stated on Monday that troops deployed under bilateral agreements would begin their withdrawal immediately.
This departure of Ugandan forces, part of a drawdown scheduled for completion by the end of 2027, intensifies scrutiny on the SNA's capacity to secure territory. Past transfers have resulted in Somali forces losing control of locations such as Biyo Cadde and Mahas to Al-Shabaab.
Why it mattersSomali citizens in Barawe and Shalanbood face uncertainty regarding security and potential Al-Shabaab activity following the withdrawal of foreign troops.