Somalia’s deputy police chief, Gen. Abdalla Abdalla Mohamed, has warned that the withdrawal of Ugandan troops could create a dangerous security vacuum around Mogadishu, saying Somali forces are not adequately prepared to take over.
MOGADISHU (Somali Report) — Somalia’s deputy police chief warned that the withdrawal of Ugandan troops could create a dangerous security vacuum around the capital, saying the federal government has not adequately prepared its security forces to take over responsibilities from departing foreign troops.
Brig. Gen. Abdalla Abdalla Mohamed, deputy commissioner of the Somali Police Force, raised the concerns in a statement posted on social media, warning that the departure of Ugandan forces could threaten security in Mogadishu and surrounding areas.
"The country faces a significant security threat that cannot be underestimated. The withdrawal of UPDF forces will create a security vacuum and jeopardize the safety of the capital; our own forces are not adequately prepared to assume this responsibility," Abdalla said, according to his statement reported by local media.
His remarks raise questions about Somalia's readiness to assume greater responsibility for national security as international forces begin reducing their presence after nearly two decades of military involvement in the country.
The warning comes despite recent assurances from federal government officials about the ability of Somali security forces to take over security responsibilities, particularly in the capital and surrounding regions.
Uganda announced this week that it had begun withdrawing troops deployed in Somalia under a bilateral security arrangement between the two governments. The first contingent has already returned to Uganda, with the remaining forces under that arrangement expected to leave in the coming days.
Kampala has also announced plans to gradually withdraw all its forces from Somalia, including troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, or AUSSOM, by the end of 2027.
Uganda has been one of Somalia's most important military partners since deploying troops to the country in 2007 under the African Union's former peacekeeping mission. Its forces have played a major role in securing Mogadishu, supporting government operations and fighting al-Shabab militants.
The immediate withdrawal has raised particular concerns about security in the Lower Shabelle region, southwest of Mogadishu, where Ugandan troops have maintained positions along strategically important routes leading towards the capital.
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Several positions, including Sabid-Anole, Bariire, Awdheegle and Bulonagad, are expected to be taken over by other African Union peacekeepers during troop rotations scheduled for November, according to an African Union mission letter obtained by The Associated Press.
However, questions remain over who will assume responsibility for all the positions being vacated and whether Somali forces have sufficient personnel, equipment and operational capacity to maintain security in the affected areas.
Somalia's National Security Adviser, Ambassador Aweys Haji Yusuf Ahmed, has sought to clarify that the current withdrawal involves troops deployed under a separate bilateral agreement and does not mean all Ugandan forces are leaving immediately.
He said Ugandan soldiers serving under AUSSOM remain in the country and continue to work alongside other international contingents and the Somali National Army.
Abdalla's public warning nevertheless highlights concerns within Somalia's own security leadership about the country's preparedness for the transition.
The federal government has not publicly responded to his assessment.
The developments come as Somalia continues its military campaign against al-Shabab, which has waged an insurgency against the government for nearly two decades and continues to carry out attacks against military and civilian targets.
The withdrawal of foreign troops, particularly from areas considered important to the defence of Mogadishu, could place additional pressure on Somali security forces as they seek to prevent the militants from exploiting potential gaps in security.
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.
