(Geesguud) — The United Nations (UN) is deeply concerned about the continuous withdrawal of international troops from Somalia and the subsequent takeover of such ‘abandoned’ territories by al-shabaab insurgents.
According to the UN Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the situation is worsening the humanitarian situation in Somalia battling insurgency.
Ethiopia has since July 2, 2016 withdrawn some of its troops from neighbouring Somalia. Territories that they leave are almost always taken over by al Shabaab. The last withdrawal (on October 26) was in the town of Tayeglow in the Bakool region.
‘‘Since July 2016, non-state armed actors have taken control of eight locations in Bakool, Galgaduug and Hiraan regions of Somalia following the departure of international troops.
‘‘The takeover by non-state armed groups has exposed civilians to significant protection risks and further reduced humanitarian access in areas that are already hard to reach,” an OCHAstatement said.
The locations now in the hands of al shabaab include Rab Dhuure, Bur Dhuxelne, Garas Weyne and Tayeeglow in Bakool region; Budbud and Galcad in Galgaduud region; Moqokori, Ceel Cali and Halgan in Hiraan region.