Mogadishu, Somalia — August 16, 2026: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has said Somalia is increasingly capable of taking full responsibility for its own security, suggesting that the time has come for African Union forces supporting the country to leave.
Speaking about Somalia’s security progress, the President said the country should eventually bid farewell to foreign troops and allow Somali forces to take full responsibility for protecting the nation.
«“It is time we give the foreign troops a beautiful bouquet of flowers and send them home,” President Hassan Sheikh said.»
The remarks highlight the Federal Government’s growing emphasis on strengthening the Somali National Army and other security institutions so they can independently conduct operations against Al-Shabaab and secure key areas across the country.
African Union forces have played a major role in supporting Somalia’s security efforts for many years, first through AMISOM, followed by ATMIS, and more recently through the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
The President’s statement comes amid Somalia’s broader efforts to build stronger national security institutions and gradually reduce reliance on foreign military forces.
What Does This Mean?
The President’s comments signal a strong political desire for Somalia to achieve greater security independence.
However, the eventual withdrawal of African Union forces will depend on the readiness and capabilities of Somali security forces, as well as the security situation on the ground.
For Somalia, the transition represents both an important step toward national ownership of security and a major test of the country’s ability to maintain stability without large-scale foreign military support.
The message from President Hassan Sheikh is clear: Somalia wants its security responsibilities to ultimately be carried out by Somali forces, with foreign troops returning home once their mission is complete.
