Kampala, Uganda – (African Boulevard News) – The Ugandan government has announced that 54 of its African Union (AU) soldiers were killed in a May 26th attack by al-Shabaab militants in Somalia. The devastating toll was due to poor decision-making by two officers, who succumbed to panic and ordered their troops to retreat.
Uganda has been involved in the fight against al-Shabaab in Somalia since 2007. However, the attack in May was one of the deadliest that the country has faced in recent years. President Yoweri Museveni expressed disappointment in the two officers who made the crucial mistake of retreating under fire.
“The two officers panicked. They were afraid and ordered the soldiers to withdraw, which is against the rules of engagement,” he said.
The situation in Somalia remains precarious, with al-Shabaab militants continuing to launch deadly attacks against AU peacekeeping troops. The group, which is aligned with al-Qaida, has been fighting to overthrow the Somali government and establish an Islamic state in the country.
Uganda has been one of the largest contributors to the AU peacekeeping mission in Somalia, with over 6,000 soldiers deployed in the country. However, the recent loss of 54 soldiers has been a significant blow to the country and underscores the dangers that these troops face in Somalia.
The Ugandan government has vowed to continue its fight against al-Shabaab, despite the recent setback. In a statement, the government expressed its determination to “bring peace and stability to Somalia and the region.”
The attack in May highlights the need for AU troops to remain vigilant in the face of al-Shabaab’s continued threat. The group has shown itself to be a formidable enemy, capable of launching deadly attacks even in heavily fortified areas.
Despite the challenges, the AU mission in Somalia remains critical to the country’s long-term stability. African countries must continue to support the mission and work together to defeat the threat posed by al-Shabaab.
As President Museveni noted, “we have to fight and win this war. It is a war of survival for us all.”
