UN postpones Africa troops pull-out from Somalia

On Thursday, the United Nations Security Council postponed the withdrawal of African Union troops from Somalia by three months, following Somalia's request to halt the pullout due to an upsurge in attacks by Al-Shabaab militants.

The AU, the five troop-contributing nations, and the Security Council fully supported Somalia's plea. Currently, there are 19,000 African soldiers from Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Djibouti stationed in Somalia.

On 30 September, 3,000 troops were expected to exit from five strategic bases and positions, including the State House and Parliament in Mogadishu, the Kismayo Old Airport, Dhusamareb, and Bio Cadale. Four other bases, Salile, Burhashi, Regase, and Qorilow, were to be closed permanently. Kenya was planning to withdraw 754 troops and security officers from Somalia.

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) concluded its first phased withdrawal of 2,000 troops from Somalia on 30 June, a move that was expected to be concluded by December 2024.

The withdrawal of AU troops had sparked fears of a security vacuum as the Somali army struggles to push back against a resurgent Al-Shabaab. Somali officials had described the African force withdrawal plan as ‘hasty and ill-conceived’, which could put the country's security in danger and risk reversing some of the major gains in the recent past.

On 31 October, the Security Council extended the mandate and the tasks of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) until 31 October 2024. The mission will maintain and strengthen its presence across Somalia and continue its cooperation with the government and the African Union.

Since his election in May 2022, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia has prioritised the battle against Al-Shabaab. Supported by federal troops, local militias, AU soldiers, and US and Turkish drone strikes, the federal government has successfully reclaimed substantial territories from Al-Shabaab militants.

Despite these efforts, Al-Shabaab persists in conducting attacks within Somalia. The group has also intensified its activities in Kenya, carrying out deadly attacks along the Kenya-Somalia border.