Uganda’s army chief urges troop withdrawal from Somalia, citing alleged U.S.-Al-Shabaab talks

[Deeq A.]

Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s army chief and the son of President Yoweri Museveni, has called for a full withdrawal of Ugandan troops from Somalia, ending an 18-year peacekeeping deployment under the African Union.

In a statement posted on social media, Kainerugaba alleged that the United States has initiated secret negotiations with the militant group Al-Shabaab, undermining the efforts of African peacekeeping forces in Somalia.

“The US and the collective West are recognising Al Qaeda in Syria. Even our brothers in Israel seem to be okay with this situation?,” Kainerugaba said.

“We even hear that the US has began secret negotiations with Al Shabaab in Somalia. We will implore our great Commander-in-Chief to consider total withdrawal from Somalia after 18 years.”

Ugandan troops have been a core component of the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia. Since 2007, Uganda has contributed thousands of soldiers to the mission, which aims to stabilize the country and combat the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab insurgency.

Despite nearly two decades of military operations, Al-Shabaab remains a formidable force, continuing to launch deadly attacks across Somalia and the wider region.

Kainerugaba’s comments highlight growing frustration over the mission’s prolonged duration and lack of success in neutralizing the insurgent threat. His remarks also raise questions about the future of Uganda’s involvement in Somalia and the broader credibility of international counterterrorism efforts in the Horn of Africa.

somaliguardian

Qaran News