Written by Lisa Murimi
Kenyan troops stationed in Somalia are scheduled to officially depart the country by December 2024, according to Aden Duale, the Defence Cabinet Secretary.
The decision to withdraw the soldiers comes after the completion of their mission.
“We are coming out of Somali because the UN, AU and Somali government felt they have generated enough forces. The Somali national army is ready to protect their country,” said Duale.
“By the end of 2024, no more ATMIS troops will be in Somalia,” he stated. Duale clarified that the withdrawal applies not only to the Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF) but also to all troops serving under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
Duale emphasized that Kenya’s presence in Somalia is part of a multinational effort involving the United Nations (UN) and African Union (AU). To counter potential incursions by Al-Shabaab militants, the troops will be redeployed to buffer zones along the border.
“We are coming back to our border so that in the event the Al-shabaab becomes stronger we will still protect our people,” he said.
The initiative aligns with the Somali Transition Plan (STP), aiming to transfer security responsibilities to local forces. Approximately 20,000 Somali soldiers are prepared to assume control following the withdrawal.
Kenya initially launched “Operation Linda Nchi” in 2011 to combat militants in Somalia. Although the operation was declared complete in 2012, Kenyan troops continued as part of AMISOM and later ATMIS.
Deputy President William Ruto had previously stated that KDF would leave Somalia once their mission was accomplished, citing the impact of Somalia’s instability on Kenya.
“Those troops will come back home as soon as they are done with the assignment they have in Somalia,” he said. He added;
“We have been there with many partners. I think there is light in the horizon with the election of President Hassan Mohamud who I have met twice.” The exit plan reflects collaboration with UN, AU, and Somali authorities, marking a significant step toward Somalia’s self-sufficiency in maintaining security.
