A report has accused Ethiopian forces of withdrawing from towns in Somalia’s Southwest State, allegedly allowing Al-Shabaab to advance, while raising unverified claims of foreign financing and interference in the conflict.
MOGADISHU (Somali Report) — Ethiopian forces have been accused of withdrawing from towns in Somalia’s Southwest State and allowing Al-Shabaab militants to move in, raising questions about Ethiopia’s role in the region’s worsening security and political crisis.
The allegations come as armed confrontations and political tensions continue across parts of Bay, Bakool and Lower Shabelle regions, where control of territory and the future of the Southwest administration have become increasingly contentious.
The local sources alleged that Ethiopian troops deliberately pulled out of several locations in Bay region, creating an opportunity for Al-Shabaab fighters to advance. The report specifically raised concerns over the militants’ entry into areas including Buurhakaba.
The claims have not been independently verified. It was also unclear whether Ethiopian officials, Somalia’s federal government or the African Union mission in the country had responded to the allegations.
The report said the withdrawal of foreign troops from positions previously cleared of Al-Shabaab could undermine security gains and jeopardise international efforts to strengthen Somalia’s state institutions and security forces.
The European Union has been a major contributor to international security support for Somalia since 2007. However, the report’s broader claims about the consequences of troop withdrawals and the circumstances surrounding specific locations could not be independently confirmed.
The report also raised allegations that money originating from the United Arab Emirates had been used to influence the conflict in Southwest State, including claims that military officers were bribed to abandon their positions. No independently verified evidence was provided to substantiate the alleged payments.
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Ethiopian forces transferred a military base to the Somali National Army in August 2026, according to the information cited in the report. The handover has prompted questions about whether Somali forces have sufficient personnel, equipment and logistical support to secure areas vacated by foreign troops.
The allegations come amid broader regional tensions over Somalia’s political future and competing foreign interests in the Horn of Africa.
The sources added that the conflict in Southwest State forms part of a wider plan allegedly designed by Israel and financed by the UAE, with Ethiopia and some Kenyan actors accused of facilitating its implementation. The report suggested that the alleged plan would begin in Southwest State before expanding into other parts of southern Somalia ahead of elections expected in 2027.
Those claims remain unsubstantiated, and no independent evidence was available to establish the existence of such a coordinated plan.
The accusations have emerged against the backdrop of regional disagreements over Red Sea security and the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia recently criticised a meeting in Egypt focused on regional security, attended by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and other regional leaders. An article published by the Ethiopian News Agency also criticised the Somali president’s participation.
The reported troop movements and allegations of outside interference add to uncertainty in Southwest State, where shifting alliances and military operations have raised concerns about civilian safety and the ability of Somali authorities to maintain control.
Independent confirmation of the reported withdrawals, the circumstances surrounding Buurhakaba and the alleged financial arrangements would be needed to establish the extent of any external involvement.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
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