Mogadishu, November 3, 2026: Somalia is preparing for an important change in its security arrangements as African Union peacekeepers plan to take control of four military positions near the capital, Mogadishu, following the departure of Ugandan forces.

The move is intended to prevent militant group al-Shabab from taking advantage of a possible security gap as Uganda gradually reduces its military presence in the country.

According to a letter from the African Union mission to the United Nations support office in Somalia, obtained by The Associated Press, the incoming peacekeepers are expected to assume responsibility for the four locations during November.

The development comes at a sensitive time for Somalia, which continues to face militant attacks, political disagreements and financial difficulties affecting international security operations.

African Union to Take Over Four Strategic Military Positions

The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is preparing to deploy personnel to four military bases currently affected by the withdrawal arrangements.

The locations include Sabid-Anole, Bariire, Awdheegle and Bulonagad.

These positions are considered important for maintaining security around Mogadishu and protecting surrounding areas from militant activity.

The planned deployment aims to ensure that the departure of Ugandan personnel does not create an opportunity for al-Shabab fighters to expand their influence.

However, questions remain about the future of other military installations that Ugandan forces may eventually leave behind.

Uganda Begins Ending Its Long Military Deployment

Uganda has maintained a military presence in Somalia since 2007, when its soldiers first joined an African Union-led effort to support the Somali government against extremist militants.

Over nearly two decades, Ugandan forces have played a significant role in military operations against al-Shabab and efforts to stabilise areas previously controlled by the group.

The Ugandan government has confirmed that its troops will gradually leave Somalia, with the complete withdrawal expected by the end of 2027.

The first group of soldiers has already returned home under a bilateral security agreement between Uganda and Somalia.

Thousands of Ugandan personnel are still deployed in the country, including troops serving under the African Union mission.

The withdrawal will therefore take place in stages rather than through an immediate departure of the entire military contingent.

Financial Problems Accelerate the Withdrawal Process

Funding difficulties have become another major concern for international peacekeeping operations in Somalia.

Farhan Isak Yusuf, deputy executive director of the Mogadishu-based research organisation Somali Public Agenda, said financial shortages had contributed to the accelerated withdrawal arrangements.

International military missions require substantial financial resources to maintain personnel, transport, equipment, logistics and operational facilities.

Reduced funding can make it increasingly difficult for peacekeeping forces to maintain their presence across different parts of the country.

Although Uganda has announced its withdrawal plans, its military has not publicly provided a detailed explanation for the immediate departure of the troops serving under the bilateral arrangement.

Somalia Faces Concerns Over a Possible Security Vacuum

The planned handover has raised concerns among security observers about whether Somalia’s national forces and remaining international peacekeepers can maintain control of strategically important areas.

Al-Shabab continues to carry out attacks against military installations, government facilities and civilian targets.

The militant organisation has remained a major security threat despite years of operations conducted by Somali forces and international partners.

A sudden reduction in foreign military support could create additional pressure on Somali security institutions, particularly in areas where government control remains fragile.

Military officials are therefore expected to pay close attention to the transition and ensure that vulnerable positions remain protected.

Barawa and Lower Shabelle Remain Strategically Important

Barawa, a coastal town located approximately 220 kilometres southwest of Mogadishu, is among the important areas connected to the wider security situation in southern Somalia.

The surrounding Lower Shabelle region has strategic importance because of its location, transport routes and continuing security challenges.

Maintaining military control in this region is essential for limiting militant movements and protecting government-controlled territory.

The planned redeployment of African Union personnel is intended to help preserve security during Uganda’s gradual departure.

Nevertheless, the future management of several other positions remains uncertain.

United Nations Mission Ends as Somalia Enters a New Security Phase

Uganda’s withdrawal is taking place alongside another major development: the closure of the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia.

The UN political mission officially ended after more than three decades of international involvement in supporting political reconciliation, advising government leaders and helping rebuild institutions following years of civil conflict.

Somali authorities have described the transition as an important step toward greater national independence and responsibility for domestic affairs.

However, the end of the political mission does not mean that all United Nations involvement in Somalia has stopped.

Humanitarian agencies will continue operating in the country, while a separate UN support office will maintain logistical assistance for African Union peacekeepers and certain Somali security units.

What Happens Next for Somalia?

The coming months will be particularly important for Somalia’s security future.

The African Union will need to maintain effective deployments while Uganda gradually reduces its military presence.

At the same time, Somali authorities face the challenge of strengthening their own armed forces, improving operational capabilities and ensuring that important military positions remain protected.

The success of the transition will depend on adequate funding, international cooperation and the ability of Somali security institutions to respond to continuing militant threats.

Conclusion: Somalia Faces a Critical Security Transition

The planned takeover of four military positions by African Union peacekeepers represents an important development in Somalia’s changing security arrangements.

Uganda’s gradual departure marks the closing chapter of a military deployment that began in 2007 and played a major role in supporting the Somali government against al-Shabab.

While the transition offers Somalia an opportunity to take greater responsibility for its own security, the continuing militant threat and financial challenges make the process particularly sensitive.

Preventing a security vacuum will remain the biggest priority as international forces reorganise their presence and Somalia prepares for a greater role in protecting its territory.