Donald Trump orders the withdrawal of American troops from Somalia
An American brigadier speaks with his soldiers during an operation in Somalia, September 5, 2020. AP - Senior Airman Kristin Savage
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2 min
700 US special forces soldiers advise the Somali army in their fight against the jihadists.
The decision to withdraw troops was announced by the Pentagon on Friday evening.
It should be effective in early January, just before the end of the US president's term.
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With our correspondent in Washington,
Anne Corpet
"
The United States is not disengaging or withdrawing from Africa,
" said the Pentagon press release, which is reassuring and adds: "
We remain committed to our African partners and provide them with lasting support.
"
Washington promises to retain the ability to conduct
counterterrorism operations
in Somalia.
The American army will keep its bases in Kenya and Djibouti from where the drones which carry out attacks in Somalia leave.
According to the Department of Defense, part of the 700 US troops currently deployed in Somalia will be assigned outside East Africa while another will be stationed nearby.
But with the
departure of American troops
, the Somali army will nevertheless be deprived of the training provided by the special forces.
The announcement of this withdrawal comes a few days after the death in combat on the spot of a CIA officer, member of an elite unit.
It takes place a month before legislative elections in Somalia.
What worries the experts, they fear a resurgence of
terrorist attacks
within the framework of the campaign.
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Somalia
United States
Defense
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