Somalia Faces Security Challenges as African Union Troops Prepare to Leave Key Bases 

MOGADISHU — African Union forces in Somalia are expected to withdraw from three positions in the southern region of Lower Shabelle in early November, with the Somali National Army being asked to prepare to take over the sites, Somali security sources told Garowe Online.

Two security sources familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the plans publicly, said the African Union mission had informed Somali federal government agencies of the planned withdrawal.

The sources said Somali troops were expected to assume control of the positions and take responsibility for security in the surrounding areas, although the locations and the precise handover schedule could not be independently confirmed.

The reported withdrawal comes amid plans to reduce and redeploy foreign troops serving under the African Union mission in Somalia. According to the security sources, most Ugandan troops are expected to be concentrated in Mogadishu, particularly at the Halane compound.

The sources also said troops remaining at Halane would be among the last to stay in Somalia until the mission concludes. However, no official timetable for the final redeployment was provided.

Somalia's security transition has envisaged a gradual transfer of responsibility from international forces to national security institutions, alongside efforts to strengthen the capabilities of Somali troops.

The federal government has previously raised concerns about the ability of Somali forces to assume full responsibility for security across the country at once, highlighting the challenges facing the transition.

African Union forces have played a central role in Somalia's security operations, supporting government forces in the fight against Al-Shabaab and helping secure key government installations.

A withdrawal from the three reported positions would require Somali forces to take on additional security responsibilities in the affected areas. The impact would depend on the timing of the handover, the deployment of Somali troops and the security situation on the ground.

Garowe Online could not independently verify the reported plans. The African Union mission's official position on the three locations, the number of troops involved and the proposed redeployment schedule was not immediately available.

GAROWE ONLINE