By Asha Elmi - Editor-in-Chief
Loading article content...
Loading article content...
BARAWE, 5 November 2026 Somalia and Uganda have discussed plans to reduce African Union troops deployed in Somalia and accelerate the transfer of security responsibilities to Somali forces.
The discussions took place Wednesday in Barawe between Somalia's Chief of Defence Forces, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud, and the Commander of Uganda's Battle Group 45 under AUSSOM, Col. Dr. Justus Musenene.
The meeting focused on the drawdown of troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), building the operational capacity of the Somali National Army and the gradual handover of security responsibilities.
The Somali defence chief commended Ugandan troops for their sacrifices, professionalism and contribution to peace and stability in Somalia, and praised cooperation between the two countries.
The commander of Battle Group 45 highlighted AUSSOM's efforts in training and mentoring Somali forces to strengthen their capacity to independently conduct security operations.
The two sides also reviewed progress in joint military operations and programmes aimed at strengthening the ideological orientation of troops.
The meeting comes as Somalia pursues plans to strengthen its national forces to fully assume responsibility for the country's security while gradually reducing reliance on African Union troops.