Ethiopian forces have officially withdrawn from military bases in Dinsoor, a key district in Somalia’s Bay region, sparking fears of a potential resurgence of Al-Shabaab militants. The withdrawal, confirmed Tuesday, comes after nearly a decade of Ethiopian-led security operations in the area. Local residents and officials are concerned about the vacuum left in one of Somalia’s most insecure regions.

The reasons for the withdrawal remain unclear, but it coincides with the start of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which has replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Notably, Ethiopia is not participating in the new mission, raising questions about its future role in Somalia’s security landscape.

Dinsoor, located 266 kilometers from Mogadishu, has been inaccessible by land for over ten years due to insecurity. The town had relied on Ethiopian troops to maintain stability, and their departure leaves local security forces, such as the South West State’s Darawish, with the daunting task of filling the gap. However, their limited resources and capabilities remain a significant challenge.

The Federal Government of Somalia has yet to comment on the withdrawal, as it works to transition security responsibilities from foreign troops under the AUSSOM framework. The lack of immediate federal response adds to the uncertainty surrounding the security situation in the Bay and Bakool regions, where Al-Shabaab remains a persistent threat.

Residents in Dinsoor are voicing growing concerns about their safety and the risk of renewed militant activity. With limited support and a fragile security structure, communities in the region face an uncertain future as Somalia navigates this critical phase of its stabilization efforts.