Kenya's President urges US intervention amid fears of Al-Shabaab takeover in Somalia after AU withdrawal
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During his US state visit on Tuesday, Ruto appealed to the American government for increased security support in the region. He highlighted discussions with Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, where both leaders expressed anxiety about the impending withdrawal of forces.
Ruto pointed out that the withdrawal decision is based on predetermined dates rather than the actual security conditions in Somalia.
"Today, Kenya is backstopping the security challenges in the Horn of Africa. Before I came here on Saturday, I had an engagement with the President of Somalia. And we have serious security challenges because there is an impending drawdown of ATMIS that is calendar-based, not conditions-based,” Ruto stated.
US intervention to ensure stability in the region
President Ruto called for US intervention to ensure stability in the region.
"Our position is that the United States should step in and change the trajectory. Otherwise, we will exit ATMIS troops and the terrorists will take over Somalia. I don’t think it is in anybody’s interest for that to happen,” Ruto emphasized.
The withdrawal process has been fraught with confusion and controversy. On May 5, the Somalia government sent a letter to the United Nations requesting a swift conclusion of the peacekeeping mission, a move that surprised the global body since Somalia had previously sought an extension of the mission.
In response to the evolving situation, Kenya’s Defence Secretary Aden Duale and Michael Hammer, the United States Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, held a critical meeting on May 9 to discuss post-ATMIS security arrangements in Somalia.
"The meeting was specifically deliberating on the security arrangements in Somalia post-ATMIS. It was related to maintaining peace and security, with its longstanding commitment to peacekeeping and counterterrorism efforts,” Duale stated.
As the situation unfolds, the involvement of international stakeholders remains crucial to ensuring the stability and security of Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa region.
KaabTV contributed reporting
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Kenya's President urges US intervention amid fears of Al-Shabaab takeover in Somalia after AU withdrawal
NAIROBI, Kenya (Horn Observer) – Kenya's President William Ruto has voiced concerns over a potential Al-Shabaab takeover in Somalia following the scheduled withdrawal of African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troops. He emphas