AU troops to leave 4 bases in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle

MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – African Union peacekeepers will withdraw from four forward operating bases in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region next week as the mission scales back under severe financial strain, local media reported on Thursday.

The pullback follows Washington’s agreement to extend support for the mission by a year, until December 2027, after it threatened in July to cut the logistical assistance on which AU operations in Somalia largely depend.

Which bases are closing?

The mission has not said which bases will be handed over. Analysts warn that Somali forces lack the capacity to occupy the sites quickly enough to keep them from falling to Al-Shabaab militants.

Why Lower Shabelle matters for Mogadishu

Lower Shabelle is a strategic belt southwest of the capital. AU deployments in its towns have helped shield Mogadishu, and analysts say their removal could erode the fragile security the city has enjoyed in recent years.

Somalia’s president lobbies Uganda

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud travelled to Uganda this week for a one-day visit, during which he urged President Yoweri Museveni to keep Ugandan troops in Somalia. It was not clear whether Museveni agreed. A photograph released by Museveni’s office showed Mohamud bowing in deference to the Ugandan leader.

Al-Shabaab ambush deepens pressure

The withdrawals come days after Al-Shabaab fighters ambushed Somali government forces near Jameeco in Lower Shabelle region, killing hundreds of soldiers and wounding many more. The troops were advancing on Burhakaba to take control from forces loyal to former Southwest State president Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed, known as Laftagareen.

Race to meet the 2027 deadline

Analysts say the army’s involvement in political disputes is distracting it from gradually assuming security responsibilities from AU troops before the December 2027 deadline.

Contact us: info@somaliguardian.com