For the second time in nine months, Mogadishu will hold onto departing foreign forces to support its military. The African Union mission in Somalia will now maintain half of the troops that were expected to drawdown this month, with only 2,000 soldiers set to leave at the end of June. This decision comes amid concerns of a security vacuum and the rising threat of al Shabaab extremists, going against UN Security Council resolutions.
The move is spearheaded by the Federal Government of Somalia, seeking to slow down the UN-mandated exit plan for the AU peacekeepers. Somali authorities are evaluating the security situation, leading to the request for revised withdrawal timelines. This slowdown marks the second time the Somali government has sought to delay the exit of AU troops, highlighting the challenges faced by the Somali security forces.
The handover of bases and troops by different contingents signify the complexities in the transition process. With the threat of terrorism looming, the review and revision of exit timelines have become crucial for the stability and security of the region.