As Somalia grapples with the persistent threat of al Shabaab militants, the Somali government is urgently seeking to slow the withdrawal of African Union peacekeepers. This request, highlighted in documents reviewed by Reuters, underscores the fears of a potential security vacuum that could embolden the Islamist insurgency.
The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) is set to complete its withdrawal by December 31, 2024. However, Somalia’s government has requested to delay the withdrawal of half of the 4,000 troops slated to leave by the end of June until September. This plea, contained in a letter to the acting chair of the African Union Peace and Security Council, reflects deep concerns over the readiness of Somali forces to fill the impending security gap.
A joint assessment by the Somali government and the AU in March, reviewed by Reuters, warned that a rapid drawdown of ATMIS personnel could lead to a dangerous security vacuum. “I’ve never been more concerned about the direction of my home country,” expressed Mursal Khalif, an independent member of Somalia’s defense committee.
The European Union and the United States, primary funders of the AU force, have been keen on reducing the peacekeeping mission due to sustainability and long-term financing issues. The complexities of negotiating a new force with a robust mandate acceptable to all parties, including Somalia, have proven challenging. Diplomatic sources indicate that a heated political dispute could lead Ethiopia, a key contributor of battle-hardened troops, to reconsider its involvement.
The call for a smaller force likely reflects the views of nationalists within Somalia who oppose a heavy foreign presence. “The AU and Somalia’s government have emphasized the importance of a conditions-based drawdown to prevent any security vacuum,” said Mohamed El-Amine Souef, AU special representative to Somalia and head of ATMIS.
Neighboring countries like Uganda and Kenya, which have contributed troops to the mission, share Somalia’s concerns. Henry Okello Oryem, Uganda’s state minister of foreign affairs, warned against a hasty withdrawal reminiscent of the U.S. pullout from Afghanistan, fearing a similar collapse. “We do not want to get into a situation where we are fleeing,” he said.
Recent military setbacks in Somalia have compounded these worries. In August, al Shabaab counter-attacked in the town of Cowsweyne, killing scores of soldiers and beheading civilians. This attack underscored the militants’ resilience and the Somali army’s vulnerabilities, despite previous territorial gains.
The potential withdrawal of peacekeepers poses significant risks. Somalia’s army, estimated at around 32,000 soldiers, faces a shortage of about 11,000 trained personnel. While the government claims its soldiers can confront al Shabaab with limited external support, ongoing external assistance remains crucial. The United States, for instance, maintains around 450 troops in Somalia for training and advisory roles, alongside conducting regular drone strikes.
International support for Somalia has been substantial. The U.S. has spent over $2.5 billion on counterterrorism assistance since 2007, while the EU has provided about $2.8 billion to ATMIS and its predecessor missions. However, resources are increasingly strained, with the EU shifting towards bilateral support and the U.S. grappling with competing priorities, including Ukraine and Gaza.
As Somalia navigates this precarious phase, the international community must balance the need for Somali self-reliance with the reality of al Shabaab’s persistent threat. Delaying the withdrawal of peacekeepers could provide the necessary time for Somali forces to strengthen and stabilize. However, the complexities of international funding and regional politics add layers of uncertainty to an already volatile situation.
The upcoming discussions at the Peace and Security Council will be pivotal in shaping the future of Somalia’s security landscape and its ongoing battle against terrorism.
