Uganda begins withdrawing troops from Somalia as Mogadishu tourism draws attention

Uganda has started pulling its soldiers out of Somalia after almost 20 years, while separate reports describe Mogadishu's beaches, fish market and culture as a draw for visitors.

What happened

The sources cover two different stories about Mogadishu, Somalia's capital. The first is military. Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, says the Uganda People's Defence Forces had begun withdrawing from Somalia [2]. The Standard reports that the withdrawal began in earnest this week, with Ugandan soldiers setting off for Kampala after a stay of almost 20 years [3].

The second is about tourism. Sucdi Abdul Fattah Abdul Khader, a 23-year-old local guide, takes visitors to Jazeera beach, the fish market and parts of the city that reflect its history as an Indian Ocean trading centre [1]. The BBC describes her work as part of a wider effort to show visitors a different image of the city from the one of suicide attacks and armed young men that many people associate with it [1].

Why Kenyans are searching for it

The sources do not say why people in Kenya are searching for Mogadishu, and this explainer does not guess. They cover the Ugandan troop withdrawal and tourism in the city. Neither source links the story directly to Kenyan public interest. The Standard does name Kenya as one of the troop contributing countries [3].

Key facts

• Uganda is one of five countries whose forces have been in Somalia under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The others named are Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti and, lately, Egypt [3].
• Egypt is expected to deploy an estimated 1,100 soldiers to replace the Burundian contingent that left last year [3].
• According to diplomatic sources, Somalia wanted at least 2,500 Ugandan soldiers to stay on bilateral terms [3].
• Somalia's president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, reportedly sought financial support from Arab states to meet the cost [3].
• The Standard says the withdrawal seems to point to failed talks between Yoweri Museveni and Mohamud, as well as a lack of funds. This is the paper's reading, not a confirmed cause [3].
• According to the BBC, many visitors arrive with expectations shaped by years of reports about insecurity, and are often surprised by how beautiful the country is and how welcoming people are [1].

What to watch

• Whether the Ugandan withdrawal is completed. The sources report only that it has begun [2][3].
• Whether Egypt's planned deployment of about 1,100 soldiers goes ahead [3].
• Kenya's next move. The Standard's headline refers to Kenya weighing its options, but the article does not say what they are [3].
• Whether Somalia secures the funding it has sought from Arab states [3].

Sources

1. [1] Mogadishu tourism: The young Somali woman changing how the world sees her city - BBC
2. [2] Uganda signals Somalia military exit as rifts hurt war on Shabaab - The EastAfrican
3. [3] Letter from Mogadishu: Uganda starts pulling out of Somalia as Kenya mulls on next move - The Standard

Compiled by the NairobiCity trend desk from the sources above.