MOGADISHU (SD) -Somalia’s Federal Government is planning to replace the African Union’s ATMIS troops with foreign troops at the end of this year.

In an interview with VOA, the National Security Advisor, Hussein Ali, stated that there is ongoing planning, and it is not yet clear who the troop-contributing countries would be

The new troops will be instructed to prioritize key areas in the capital, Mogadishu, such as embassies.

These troops will not be involved in the ongoing fight against the Al-Shabaab, which will be fully handled by the government forces.

The number of troops expected ranges from 3,000 to 8,000 soldiers. Their deployment is planned for 12 months (one year), with the possibility of extending their stay if necessary.

The ATMIS troops have been scheduled to complete their withdrawal from Somalia by the end of December.

AMISOM forces, numbering over 21,000 soldiers, have gradually withdrawn, with approximately 6,000 troops remaining in the country. It is expected that 4,000 troops will be withdrawn by June of this year, with further withdrawals planned throughout the year.