Ethiopian Defense Forces, specifically those that are serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) have officially withdrawn from Buurhakaba District in Bay region, while the security responsibility of Buurhakaba Forward Operating Base (FOB) has been officially handed over to the Somali National Army.
AUSSOM said in a statement that it successfully handed over the base to the Somali forces on August 8, 2026, particularly the 60th Division, while getting technical support from the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS).
Ethiopian troops, specifically those serving under AUSSOM military, were based in the military base since 2014.
AUSSOM pointed out that handing over the security responsibility of Buurhakaba base is another significant step for the plan to gradually transfer the responsibility of security to the Somali National Army, while strengthening Somalia’s leadership in the security sector.
What Makes Buurhakaba a Strategic place?
Buurhakaba is a strategic district that lies in Bay region, its importance is further enhanced by its location at the junction connecting the regions of Southwest, particularly the Baidoa-Mogadishu highway.
The exit of Ethiopian troops raises questions about the operational capabilities of the Somali forces to independently secure strategic areas where foreign troops have long been stationed.
AUSSOM is handing over on a gradual basis the security responsibility to the Somali forces; however, the African Union Mission in Somalia is facing economic and financial challenges.
The African Union previously warned that financial constraints could affect AUSSOM’s capabilities to carry out its mandate.
