Somalia’s security forces have assumed the security role in Burhakaba, a strategic town in the country’s Bay region following the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops who were serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), APA can report on Wednesday.
Ethiopian forces had been stationed in the town since 2014, playing a key role in stabilising the region.
Their departure follows the broader AUSSOM drawdown plan, with the African Union mission set to conclude its current mandate by 31 December 2026.
The withdrawal of Ethiopian troops comes at a time when the AUSSOM mission is facing serious financial challenges, with reports indicating that three major towns will be handed over to Somali forces in the coming weeks.
The Somali National Army has now assumed full responsibility for security in the town, marking a significant step in the transition of security responsibilities to Somali forces.
The handover has raised concerns among Somali officials about whether national forces are fully prepared to fill the security gap, particularly in areas where al-Shabaab remains active. There are also fears that supply routes may be disrupted, potentially undermining the effectiveness of the remaining AUSSOM forces.
The federal government in Mogadishu has repeatedly called for additional international support to strengthen its military capacity, as it faces the dual challenge of securing liberated areas and countering ongoing militant threats.
The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) said the handover was formally completed on 8 August, with support from the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS).
The base, which had been held by Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) troops since 2014, was transferred to the 60th Division of the Somali National Army.
AUSSOM described the transfer as part of the gradual handover of security responsibilities to Somali national forces.
Ethiopian troops have maintained a presence in Burhakaba for nearly 12 years, including under the previous African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) before the transition to AUSSOM.
Burhakaba, located about 185km northwest of Mogadishu along the road linking the Somali capital with Baidoa, is surrounded by areas controlled or contested by al-Shabaab.
The transfer therefore comes amid concerns over the capacity of Somali forces to independently secure some areas as international forces gradually reduce their presence.
MG/as/APA