Uganda military chief calls for withdrawal of AU forces from Somalia
KAMPALA - General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) chief, now wants the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) Forces to leave the country, accusing the US of initiating talks with the Al-Shabaab.
For the last 18 years, the African Union Forces have played a critical role in stabilizing Somalia, helping to rebuild the Somali National Army (SNA), which is expected to assume AUSSOM roles in the future by taking on security responsibilities.
But Muhoozi, the son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who is known for his controversial opinions on social media, took to the same platform to accuse the US of being in secret talks with the militants who are fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia.
The US, he argued, was undermining the efforts by the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission, adding that it is time the AU forces leave. However, he did not give any empirical evidence to support his allegations against the Americans.
“The US and the collective West are recognising Al Qaeda in Syria. Even our brothers in Israel seem to be okay with this situation?” Kainerugaba said.
“We even hear that the US has begun secret negotiations with Al Shabaab in Somalia. We will implore our great Commander-in-Chief to consider total withdrawal from Somalia after 18 years.”
Since 2007, the UPDF troops have been fighting alongside the Somali National Army, making huge strides on several frontlines. In the process, many soldiers have died, including the recent air crash at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde Airport, where 8 soldiers died.
Despite nearly two decades of military operations, Al-Shabaab remains a formidable force, continuing to launch deadly attacks across Somalia and the wider region. The militants managed to retake the strategic towns of Moqokori and Adan Yabaal, dealing a blow to the mission forces and the Somali troops.
Besides the military actions, President Hassan Sheikh maintains a blockade against Al-Shabaab, targeting revenue sources and the use of religion to stop the indoctrination of young people. The mission troops are facing financial constraints after the US government hinted at a possible withdrawal from the funding scheme.
GAROWE ONLINE