Uganda calls for troop reinforcements in Somalia

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The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs of Uganda, Jacob Marksons Oboth, has called for increased troop deployment in Somalia, warning of the risk of losing hard-earned operational gains. 

Recent reports indicate that Somalia has recorded a deteriorating security situation in the Middle and Lower Shabelle regions, where Al-Shabaab militants have recaptured some Forward Operating Bases.

Oboth made the appeal during a high-level meeting of foreign and defence ministers from Troop-Contributing Countries (TCCs) held at Kampala's Mestil Hotel on Thursday.

A release from MoDVA indicates that delegates emphasised the urgent need to counter the growing threat posed by Al-Shabaab and reinforce ongoing stabilisation efforts in Somalia.

According to Oboth, terrorism remains a grave threat to Somalia and the Horn of Africa,” Oboth stated, while condemning recent attacks on AU forces, Somali security personnel, and civilians.

To ensure accountability, Oboth proposed a “TCC-Somalia Peer-Review Mechanism”, chaired by President Yoweri Museveni, and supported by the AU Commission, to monitor mission progress.

“Despite funding shortfalls, TCCs have persevered in deploying troops under challenging conditions,” he noted.

He also called for additional resources from the AU Peace Fund and continued backing from international partners, including the United Nations, European Union, United Kingdom and the United States.

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, called for sustained political and financial support and emphasised the importance of implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2719, which calls for predictable and sustainable funding for African-led peace operations. 

“For nearly 20 years, TCCs have stood by Somalia. Thousands paid the ultimate price for peace. AUSSOM cannot succeed without adequate resources. The AU is requesting only $190m (sh698.6b) for 2025, far less than the $7b (sh25 trillion) piracy once cost the world annually." 

Youssouf said According to the release, he reported that the AU Commission is engaging multiple partners to ensure UN statutory contributions are part of the solution, reaffirming that global peace is a shared responsibility.

Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, expressed deep gratitude to Uganda and all TCCs for nearly two decades of sacrifice. “Your commitment and bravery have written a chapter of African solidarity that history will not forget. We have a functioning government, a growing national army, and clear political structures. But we cannot complete this fight alone," he said.

He called for urgent reinforcement of quick reaction forces and a multi-sector offensive to reclaim areas recently lost to Al-Shabaab, stressing that peace in Somalia means stability for the entire Horn of Africa.

Somalia’s Minister of Defence, Jibril Abdirashid Haji Abdi, emphasized Somalia’s steady rise from fragility to a capable state, citing the establishment of a Joint Operations Centre and ongoing implementation of the Somali Security and Development Plan (SSDP), launched in December 2023. 

He reiterated Somalia’s commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to uphold sovereignty and inclusivity, calling on all partners to ensure reliable funding for AUSSOM.

Ministers from Troop-Contributing Countries (TCCs), including Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Kenya, reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to Somalia’s security and long-term regional stability.

The UN Security Council and international donors called for the finalisation of a sustainable funding model, with AU Commissioner Bankole Adeoye emphasising the need for collective responsibility to prevent a destabilising withdrawal.

While the AU and UN push for a hybrid financing model under UN Security Council Resolution 2719, the United States calls for alternative funding mechanisms.

The UK and EU reaffirmed their commitment, with the EU insisting that the 2719 framework is the only viable path forward.

Others at the meeting included: the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mohammed El-Amine Souef, AUSSOM Force Commander Lt Gen. Sam Kavuma, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen. Sam Okiding, Permanent Secretaries, diplomatic heads, and representatives from IGAD, the UK, USA, EU, and the UN.