The Federal Government of Somalia has launched a training program in the Waajid district of the Bakool region for local forces; these troops are intended to support the Somali National Army as it prepares to take over security responsibilities from AUSSOM forces.
Somali National Army officials stated that local youth are eager to join the security forces and are therefore being trained to play a role in securing their communities.
A local force has been organized in the strategic town of Waajid—operating under the command of federal security forces and the Southwest State’s Darawish forces—to ensure the town does not fall out of government control.
Al-Shabaab is reportedly conducting military movements in areas surrounding Waajid district; this has prompted a focus on training and equipping local youth to counter attacks from the group.
