World
Uganda begins phased withdrawal from Somalia after nearly two decades
Uganda has begun withdrawing troops from Somalia after nearly 20 years of military involvement, with all Ugandan forces expected to leave by the end of 2027. The first contingent of 109 soldiers has returned, while Somalia prepares to assume greater responsibility for security against al-Shabab. Uganda played a central role in removing militants from Mogadishu and securing government sites, but the transition faces uncertainty over funding for the African Union mission as US and UN support is wound down.
Editorial summary · Publisher article
What matters
- About 4,500 troops remain under the African Union mission, alongside roughly 2,000 deployed through bilateral arrangements.
- Uganda says the withdrawal will be phased and coordinated with Somalia’s security handover.
- A 12-month transition plan is due to begin in January amid funding concerns.
Why the handover is significant
Somalia has relied on successive African Union missions since 2007, and the withdrawal tests whether its own forces can assume security duties while al-Shabab remains an active insurgent threat.
Context & caveats
- The report does not provide an independent assessment of Somali forces’ readiness or the withdrawal’s effect on militant activity.
Why this made the edition
Reports a consequential, dated military withdrawal with troop figures, institutional context, security handover plans and funding uncertainty surrounding the African Union mission.
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