US Defense Secretary Lauds Somali Forces’ Progress Against al-Shabaab Despite Ongoing Threats

US Defense Secretary Lauds Somali Forces’ Progress Against al-Shabaab Despite Ongoing Threats

US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, has commended the Somali forces for their remarkable progress in battling al-Shabab, a notorious terrorist organization. Austin asserted that the Somali forces’ efforts in the past year outdid their achievements in the previous five years. Despite these strides, al-Shabab continues to pose a threat, launching attacks such as a recent truck bombing that led to 21 fatalities and 52 injuries.

The Somali government has called for a 90-day deferment in the planned retreat of African Union peacekeepers, citing setbacks. Although about 3,000 peacekeepers are scheduled to leave Somalia by the end of the month, and all African Union forces are due to withdraw by the end of 2024, Austin did not provide an explicit comment on this request.

(Read Also: United States, Somalia, and Djibouti Strengthen Security Partnership)

Implications of Premature Withdrawal

Analysts caution that an untimely withdrawal or inadequate resources to counter Islamic extremists could potentially lead to terrorist groups taking over the country, drawing parallels to the Taliban’s seizure in Afghanistan. Somali officials have been working hand in hand with the African Union to combat Islamic extremism.

On the matter of the Wagner Group, a Russian private military contractor, Austin noted its significant presence in Africa, notwithstanding the demise of its leader. Government officials in several countries have voiced regrets for permitting the group to operate within their territories.

(Read Also: Prime Minister Calls for Support from Somali Diaspora in the U.S)

Changes in Military Presence in Niger

In related news, France announced it would terminate its military presence in Niger and recall its ambassador by the end of the year following a military coup in the country. In contrast, the US has maintained its force posture in Niger at about 1,000 forces and relocated some of its forces within the country for safety measures. The US has ceased counterterror operations with Niger’s military but continues to run intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions to safeguard its forces.

The president of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh, recently met with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in Djibouti. Austin assured President Hassan Sheikh of the US’s continued assistance in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants. The two sides discussed strategies to eliminate Al-Shabaab in Somalia and bolster US support for the Somali national army forces.

Austin’s visit to Africa, his first since assuming the role of Secretary of Defense, emphasizes the United States’ continued commitment to supporting Somalia’s fight against al-Shabab and its efforts to establish stability in the region. While recognizing the remarkable progress achieved by Somali forces, Austin stresses the need for sustained vigilance and international cooperation to counter the persistent threat posed by al-Shabab in ungoverned areas.

Read More