26-May-2024
Kenyan President William Ruto has expressed grave concerns over the potential consequences of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) forces withdrawing from the country.
In a recent statement, President Ruto warned that the Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda-linked group could seize control of the entire Somalia if African Union forces leave by Dec. 2024.
Ruto revealed that Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud had discussed the matter with him, but they were unable to reach a consensus on the withdrawal of ATMIS forces.
The Kenyan President has now called upon the United States to intervene and prevent the withdrawal, citing the dire security implications for the region.
The Al-Shabaab group, an affiliate of Al-Qaeda, has been a persistent threat in Somalia and the surrounding areas. The ATMIS forces, comprised of troops from various African nations, have played a crucial role in combating the group and maintaining stability in the region.
The withdrawal of ATMIS forces could create a power vacuum that Al-Shabaab could exploit to expand its influence and control. President Ruto’s plea for US intervention underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for continued international support to counter the threat posed by Al-Shabaab.
As the world watches the developments in Somalia, the international community must come together to address the security challenges and prevent the potential collapse of the country into the hands of Al-Shabaab.
The coming weeks and months will be critical in determining the future of Somalia and the broader fight against terrorism in the region.