Foreign troop drawdown begins in Somalia amid security and funding concerns

MOGADISHU, July 6 – Foreign troops stationed in a key southern Somali city have begun a phased reduction following agreements between regional security authorities and Somalia's federal government, according to documents obtained by Garowe Online.

The documents indicate that the city was selected for the troop drawdown because local security forces remain unable to independently maintain stability, while supply routes have been repeatedly disrupted, and essential logistical support cannot be guaranteed until outstanding political issues are resolved.

They further state that the troop-contributing country intends to withdraw its additional contingent assigned to the African Union mission, citing growing security risks along vulnerable supply corridors and recent political developments that have contributed to instability in the area.

The planned reduction comes as the United States has announced it will end its support for the African Union mission and broader security assistance to Somalia, saying there has been insufficient progress and that Somali political leaders have failed to resolve persistent political disputes.

The documents suggest the combined impact of the troop reduction and the suspension of U.S. support has created uncertainty within Somalia's federal security institutions.

Internal sources familiar with the situation described the government's operational response as disorganized, with security agencies struggling to coordinate contingency measures as the withdrawal proceeds.

Neither the Somali government nor the African Union mission immediately commented on the reported drawdown or the contents of the documents.

GAROWE ONLINE