Kenya Calls for Delay in AU’s Troop Withdrawal from Somalia

NAIROBI – Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, has expressed strong concerns over the decision to reduce troops of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), previously known as AUSSOM. He said the move undermines gains made in the fight against Al-Shabaab and has created a security gap that the militant group could exploit to regroup.

General Kahariri made these remarks during a meeting with U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) Commander General Michael Langley. He highlighted that some countries, including Kenya, have entered temporary agreements with Somalia to fill the security void, but warned that such measures are not a long-term solution. He emphasized the need for sustained international support to preserve the peace and political stability Somalia has achieved in recent years.

AUSSOM, which replaced ATMIS, recently reduced its troop numbers from 22,000 to 11,000 as part of Somalia’s Transition Plan (STP). This reduction has raised concerns that Al-Shabaab could take advantage of the decreased presence of peacekeeping forces.

General Langley, for his part, praised Kenya’s role in supporting Somalia’s security. He acknowledged the Kenyan forces’ significant contribution to stabilizing the region and stressed that continued cooperation between the U.S. and Somalia is essential in combating Al-Shabaab and ISIS-affiliated groups.

Gen. Langley has handed over his command to Gen. Anderson, who will lead AFRICOM. His initial focus will be on stabilizing Somalia and ensuring that international support continues, preventing any potential resurgence of extremist groups.

General Kahariri urged the international community to renew its commitment to Somalia’s peace process. He warned that without sustained support, progress in peacebuilding and political stability could be reversed, threatening the hard-won gains of recent years.

Overall, these developments underscore the importance of regional collaboration and international backing in ensuring Somalia’s security. They also highlight the critical role Kenyan forces play in maintaining stability and the need for continued global attention to prevent setbacks in the fight against terrorism.