Somali Army Begins Training Local Forces In Bakool Ahead Of Security Transition

GOOBJOOG NEWS| BAKOOL: The Somali National Army has begun training local recruits in Wajid district of Bakool region as part of efforts to strengthen security capacity amid preparations for the eventual transfer of responsibilities from African Union forces.

The recruits are being prepared to support security operations in Wajid and surrounding areas, working alongside the Somali National Army and South West State Darwish forces.

Their expected duties include protecting key installations, helping prevent attacks and supporting security operations in and around the strategic town.

The training has been linked to preparations for a future security transition as troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) reduce or transfer responsibilities to Somali forces.

However, no official timetable has been announced for the withdrawal of AUSSOM troops specifically from Wajid, making it unclear when the newly trained personnel could assume additional security responsibilities.

Wajid is strategically important for movement and supply routes across Bakool, a region where Al-Shabaab maintains a presence and has repeatedly sought to disrupt road links between government-controlled towns.

Several urban centres in parts of Bakool and neighbouring Bay have for years depended heavily on air transport and protected supply routes because of insecurity along major roads, making control of towns such as Wajid important to both government forces and Al-Shabaab.

The recruitment and training of local personnel could help reduce the risk of security gaps as African Union forces gradually transfer responsibilities to Somali security institutions.

AUSSOM began operations in January 2025, replacing the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Its mandate is centred on supporting Somali security forces as they progressively assume responsibility for the country’s security, while continuing operations against Al-Shabaab.

Questions remain, however, over the size, command structure and sustainability of the new force being trained in Wajid.

Authorities have not disclosed the number of recruits undergoing training, the duration of the programme, the equipment they will receive or where they will be deployed after graduation. Details have also not been provided on how command and coordination will work between the Somali National Army, South West Darwish forces and the newly trained personnel.