Ethiopian troops serving under the African Union mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) have officially withdrawn from the strategic town of Buurhakaba in the Bay region, after nearly 12 years of deployment. Somali National Army forces have now assumed full responsibility for security in the town, marking a significant step in the transition of security responsibilities to Somali forces.
The withdrawal 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. This development places considerable pressure on the Federal Government of Somalia, which has requested a two-year delay in the withdrawal of foreign troops, but funding shortages have made this increasingly difficult.
Ethiopian forces had been stationed in Buurhakaba 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. Any extension of the mission will depend on decisions by the UN Security Council and the availability of sustainable funding.
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 of Somalia 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.
