Kenya's Military Chief Warns Somalia Troop Drawdown Risks Al-Shabaab Resurgence

NAIROBI, Kenya - General Charles Kahariri, Kenya's Chief of Defence Forces, says troop drawdown from the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) was not a wise idea, noting that the move has eroded gains made in the Al-Shabaab war.

During a meeting with outgoing US Africa Command boss General Michael Langley, General Kahariri said the security gap created could expose the country, with the al-Shabaab resurgence expected to exponentially rise due to the drawdown of soldiers.

“Some troop-contributing countries, including Kenya, have entered bilateral arrangements with Somalia to temporarily bridge the gap,” Kahariri said. “However, such measures are unsustainable without enhanced international backing.”

The global community, General Kahariri said, should renew and strengthen its commitment to the Somali peace process, warning that without sustained support, years of military progress and political stabilisation could be undone.

AUSSOM replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), and its size was reduced to 11,000 from the initial 22,000 soldiers. This complied with the Somali Transition Plan (STP), but the gap has led to increased cases of al-Shabaab raids.

Gen. Langley commended the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) for their sustained contributions to peace support operations in Somalia, describing them as pivotal to shaping regional security outcomes.

Langley has since handed over to General Anderson, who will steer the US Africa Command, with the first assignment being the stabilisation of Somalia. The US has worked closely with Somali forces to tame both al-Shabaab and ISIS militants.

“This is more than a record of what was discussed,” said Gen. Langley. “It is a shared commitment to move forward together, build on progress, and deliver results that strengthen security across Africa.”

Gen. Kahariri added that the communiqué would serve as a roadmap for joint action, innovation, and institutional reforms ahead of ACHOD 2026, ensuring Africa’s defence leaders turn dialogue into measurable results.

GAROWE ONLINE