Somalia’s government has requested to slow down the withdrawal of African peacekeepers, fearing a security vacuum amid concerns of resurgent al Shabaab militants. The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) plans to withdraw by Dec. 31, with 4,000 troops set to leave by June. However, Somalia has asked to delay this by three months. This request, outlined in a letter seen by Reuters, aims to prevent a security void as Somali forces are deemed not fully ready. The European Union and the United States, key funders of the AU force, seek to reduce the peacekeeping operation due to financial concerns. Somalia’s request has stirred worries among neighboring countries like Uganda and Kenya, fearing instability similar to Afghanistan. Discussions on a new, smaller force continue amid these tensions, with the focus on avoiding a security vacuum and ensuring a sustainable peace.
SOURCE: REUTERS
