Britain backs Kenya on KDF exit from Somalia

President Uhuru Kenyatta has constantly steered away from the topic of KDF exiting Somalia, saying it depends on the country’s stability. The United Kingdom has also backed Kenya’s cautious stance on withdrawal of Kenya Defence Forces troops from Somalia.

Britain said that the exit will be dependent on the country’s stability.

This comes as the UK and Kenyan soldiers started joint training under a newly established military partnership agreed upon earlier this year.

The Deputy British High Commissioner said Britain is closely monitoring the situation in Somalia. Like Kenya, Britain has remained coy over the timelines of withdrawal of foreign troops from Somalia with the 2021 deadline fast approaching.

The envoy, alongside British and KDF army officials, on Wednesday witnessed joint military exercises at Archer’s Post and SOI training facilities in Samburu and Isiolo counties.

More than 600 KDF personnel are taking part in the training ahead of deployment to the Africa Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

Kenya and other countries contributing soldiers to AMISOM are expected to leave Somalia by December 2021. This is based on the UN Security Council Resolution 2472 of 31 May 2019.

In the meantime, the timelines of Kenya’s withdrawal remain unknown, with the next contingent of troops expected to be deployed in January.