The deputy president of Jubaland, a region where Kenyan and Ethiopian troops operate, told VOA Somali that it will be “difficult” for Somali forces to secure areas being vacated by the AU troops. The civilians who relied on the Somali and ATMIS forces will face revenge [from al-Shabab militants].”The AU peacekeeping mission in Somalia has completed handing over six military bases to Somali forces last week. The AU has agreed with the Somali government to pull out another 3,000 troops by the end of September. He said Somalis are grateful to the AU forces but the decision for the drawdown is not a hasty move. In late May, al-Shabab carried out deadly attacks on AU and Somali forces in the towns of Bulo Marer and Masagaway, killing dozens of soldiers.

Source: Ethiopian News July 04, 2023 19:48 UTC