Uganda begins withdrawing troops from Somalia after two decades of fighting al
Uganda has begun a phased withdrawal of its troops from Somalia after nearly two decades of military presence. The transition aims to hand over full security responsibilities to Somali forces by the end of 2027.
Why it matters
This marks a significant shift in regional security dynamics in the Horn of Africa, ending a long-standing mission that began in 2007 to combat Islamist militants.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Swaibu Ibrahim , BBC Africa, Kampala and Basillioh Rukanga AFP via Getty Images Uganda first deployed its troops to Somalia in 2007 Uganda has begun withdrawing its troops from Somalia after nearly two decades of military involvement in the country.
Uganda's acting army spokesperson Chris Magezi on Monday said the first group of troops deployed to Somalia through a bilateral arrangement had already arrived back home and others would follow in a few days' time.
He said all forces, including those under the African Union (AU) mission, would exit by the end of 2027 in the phased withdrawal.
Uganda was the first African country to deploy troops to Somalia under the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom), established in 2007 to help protect the country's transitional government from attacks by Islamist militants.
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