Somali police deputy chief warns of security vacuum as Uganda withdraws troops
Mogadishu (HOL) — A senior Somali police official warned Friday that Uganda’s withdrawal of troops from Somalia could create a security vacuum around Mogadishu, as Uganda began pulling out its forces after nearly two decades of military involvement in the country. Brig. Gen. Abdalla Abdalla Mohamed, deputy commissioner of the Somali Police Force, said Somali security forces were not adequately prepared to take over security responsibilities held by Ugandan troops for nearly two decades. His warning comes after Ugandan military officials confirmed that the first contingent of troops deployed under a bilateral agreement with Somalia had returned home, with the remaining personnel expected to follow.