MOGADISHU, Somalia – In a shocking move, the United States and Kenya have been accused of undermining Somalia’s security, particularly at a time when the Somali government is making efforts to defeat the militant group Al-Shabaab.
This accusation comes amidst growing concerns over the security of the country and the potential consequences of the withdrawal of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
President William Ruto’s recent statement that if ATMIS leaves Somalia, Al-Shabaab will take over the country has raised eyebrows, highlighting the reluctance of the United States to support Somalia’s security efforts. This has led to accusations of the U.S. and Kenya wanting to undermine Somalia’s security.
Col. Abdi Aden Barre, a former military officer and current security expert, has called for the Somali government to be vigilant against security threats from the United States and Kenya.
He has emphasized the importance of the government taking control of the country’s security, suggesting that the funds currently allocated to ATMIS could be better utilized by the Somali Armed Forces.
Somalia, a country recovering from decades of conflict and destruction, is at a critical juncture. With the planned withdrawal of ATMIS troops by the end of the year, the government is expected to take over the security of the country.
However, Al-Shabaab still controls large areas of Somalia, posing a significant threat to the country’s stability.
The accusations against the U.S. and Kenya underscore the complex nature of security in Somalia and the challenges the government faces in its efforts to defeat Al-Shabaab.
As the country navigates these challenges, the role of international partners and the effective use of resources will be critical in achieving lasting security and stability.
