Kampala April 29, 2023 (SD) -The leaders of troop-contributing countries to the African Union’s Mission in Somalia met in Uganda this week and agreed to withdraw 2,000 soldiers who will leave the country in June and another 3,000 later.

In a released statement, the leaders meeting in Kampala have urged the United Nations Security Council not to lift the arms embargo on Somalia.

The heads of the countries with troops in Somalia have also agreed that the African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) will gradually withdraw its troops from the country by the end of 2024 so that the Somali security forces can take over responsibility for the country’s security.

They have also called for financial and logistical support for the Somali National Army. The leaders have praised the success of the Somali National Army in recent battles against the Al-Shabaab militant group, which have led to the recapture of areas under their control.

The troops contributing country’s Statement emphasized the importance of political leadership and Somalia’s national unity.