Why Foreign Forces Are Playing a Bigger Role in Somalia

Foreign forces are playing a larger role in Somalia's fight against insurgent groups Al-Shabaab and ISIS-Somalia. Military support includes troop deployments, airstrikes, training, and defense partnerships. Recent activities in the Lower Shabelle region show increased international involvement, with the recapture of Mubarak and Daarusalaam by Somali and African Union forces.

The United States, through its counterterrorism air campaign, remains a major security partner, with 88 airstrikes in Somalia in 2026 according to AFRICOM's records. Türkiye has also expanded its military relationship with Somalia through defense cooperation, training, and F-16 fighter aircraft deployments. Uganda and Ethiopia are estimated to have between 4,000-6,000 and 5,000 bilateral troops respectively in Somalia, in addition to their allocations to the AUSSOM.

The growing presence of these forces raises questions about the distinction between bilateral military arrangements and the African Union's multilateral security framework. Foreign involvement extends beyond conventional military forces, with private military contractors like Bancroft Global Development providing specialized support.

The involvement of several international partners presents coordination challenges, as they may operate under separate agreements with varying command arrangements and operational priorities. Somalia's ability to sustain its security campaign with significant external military assistance remains uncertain, as reclaiming territory is only one part of the challenge.

Maintaining control requires secure supply routes, functional Somali security personnel, functioning local administration, and public confidence in government institutions.