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On December 4, 2020, the Pentagon said in a statement that US President Donald Trump directed the Department of Defense and the US Africa Command to relocate most personnel and assets outside of Somalia. by early 2021. According to the statement. , “The United States is not withdrawing or disconnecting from Africa. We remain committed to our African partners and enduring support through a whole-of-government approach. While it is a change in the posture of the force, this action is not a change in US policy.
We will continue to demean violent extremist organizations that could threaten our homeland while ensuring we maintain our strategic advantage in the competition from great powers. As a result of this decision, some forces may be reassigned out of East Africa. However, the remaining forces will be relocated from Somalia to neighboring countries to allow cross-border operations by both US forces and their partners to maintain pressure against violent extremist organizations operating in Somalia. ” Currently, the United States has about 700 soldiers stationed in Somalia, conducting joint training with local forces, including Danab’s elite special forces, and assisting them in their counterterrorism operations against the Islamic terror group Al-Shabab.
The US announcement of the troop withdrawal has raised concern, as many believe this will weaken the fight against Al-Shabab, which continues to pose a major threat to Somalia’s security. Al-Shabab remains the most active and resistant extremist group in Africa, controlling parts of southern and central Somalia and often targeting checkpoints and other high-profile areas in the capital Mogadishu. Al-Shabab not only poses a threat to security, but has also carried out deep infiltrations into Somalia’s financial system.
A report released by the United Nations Sanctions Panel on Somalia has documented that Al-Shabab remains financially strong in Somalia through a deep web of infiltration into the Somali financial system. Al-Shabab generated around $ 13 million (Sh1.3 billion) between December 2019 and August 2020. The report states that “Al-Shabab remains in a strong financial position and is generating a significant budget surplus, part of which invests in property and business purchases in Mogadishu. “
According to a report dated November 23, 2020, released by the US Chief Inspector General for East Africa and North and West Africa Counterterrorism Operations, Al-Shaab “remains adaptable, resilient and capable of attacking Western interests. and from its partners in Somalia and East Africa. The report said: “The United States and the international community continued to train, advise, accompany and equip Somali forces as they fought against Al-Shabaab. The Somali government, however, has not reached milestones in the development of its security forces. The United States worked with the government of Somalia to review plans to transfer security responsibilities to the Somali security forces. “
On November 23, United Nations Special Representative James Swan, who also heads the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), briefed the UN Security Council on the political and security situation in Somalia. According to the UN envoy, “The security situation in Somalia continues to be a matter of concern, with the persistent attacks by Al-Shabab, which remains the main threat to the security of Somalia.
Continued efforts to protect the Somali people and degrade Al-Shabab’s capabilities must be the primary objective of the national security forces, as well as AMISOM and other security partners, in particular as we enter the delicate electoral period. ”. Francisco Madeira, Head of the African Union Mission for Somalia (AMISOM), also presented his assessment of the current security situation in Somalia, saying that Al-Shabab remains a major threat to peace and security and is emphasizing every once again the destabilization of Mogadishu by attacking -target profile.
The withdrawal of US troops also comes as Somalia prepares for the presidential elections on February 8, 2021.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
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