Uganda withdraws its troops from Somalia as fight against rebels persists

What the report says

Uganda has started withdrawing its troops from Somalia, according to France 24 Africa, marking a notable shift in a long-running regional security mission. Kampala said the pullout began on Monday, while the broader fight against al-Shabab militants continues in Somalia.

Uganda was the first country to deploy forces to support Mogadishu when the African Union launched its international military mission in 2007. That operation has been central to efforts to contain the extremist group, which has remained active despite years of multinational military pressure. The report frames Uganda’s decision as significant because it comes while the conflict is still unresolved.

France 24’s coverage does not give a detailed explanation for the withdrawal in the text provided, but it raises the question of what is driving Kampala’s move at this stage. The segment includes discussion with Horn of Africa geopolitical analyst Anwar Abdifatah Bashir, indicating that the decision is being viewed through a broader regional security and political lens.

The development matters because Uganda has been one of the most important contributors to Somalia’s security efforts for many years. Any reduction in troop commitments could affect the balance of the African Union mission and the wider campaign against al-Shabab, especially as Somalia continues to depend on external support for stability.