Somali President Calls for AU Peacekeepers' Exit, Citing National Security Capacity

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia has announced that the country is now capable of independently managing its security, advocating for the departure of African Union (AU) peacekeepers. This declaration comes after almost 20 years of the AU’s presence, primarily focused on combating Al-Shabaab militants.

“We have reached a point where we can now take full charge of our security. Let’s give African peacekeepers a bunch of flowers and send them home,” Mohamud stated during a recent visit to Galmudug. He expressed gratitude for the contributions of the AU forces.

This call for withdrawal coincides with a significant restructuring of Somalia’s security apparatus. While the AU begins to phase out its mission, other international partners, notably Turkey and the United States, are deepening their involvement. Turkey has established a substantial military presence, including a major training base, and provides ongoing support. Similarly, the U.S. offers crucial intelligence, training, and air support to Somali forces.

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), established in 2007, played a pivotal role in fighting Al-Shabaab and supporting the federal government, pushing militants out of key areas and protecting government institutions. However, the mission, which later transitioned to ATMIS and then AUSSOM, was one of the AU’s longest and costliest, with significant casualties among contributing nations like Uganda and Burundi.

Somalia is transitioning towards a security model that includes a more fragmented system of bilateral foreign military partnerships, moving away from the dominant multinational AU presence. The nation has already taken control of numerous former AU bases. However, this transition has faced challenges, including financial and logistical hurdles for the current AU mission.

Parallel to the AU’s diminishing role, Turkey’s military influence has steadily grown. Camp TURKSOM, established in 2017, serves as a hub for training Somali soldiers, including elite commando units. Recent defense agreements with Turkey also extend to developing Somalia’s maritime security capabilities. The U.S. also plays a critical role with specialized capabilities, while other nations like Egypt and Uganda maintain various forms of military engagement.

President Mohamud’s announcement also occurs amid internal political dynamics, particularly concerning relations with Somalia’s federal member states. The strengthening of a national army is thus viewed not only as a military necessity but also as a crucial element in the ongoing political power balance between Mogadishu and the regional administrations.

This article is based on reporting from Nile Post.