The President of the United States has ordered the Department of Defense and the United States Africa Command to reposition the majority of personnel and assets out of Somalia by early 2021.
The U.S.
is not withdrawing or disengaging from Africa.
We remain committed to our African partners and enduring support through a whole-of-government approach.
While a change in force posture, this action is not a change in U.S.
policy.
We will continue to degrade violent extremist organizations that could threaten our homeland while ensuring we maintain our strategic advantage in great power competition.
As a result of this decision, some forces may be reassigned outside of East Africa.
However, the remaining forces will be repositioned from Somalia into neighboring countries in order to allow cross-border operations by both U.S.
and partner forces to maintain pressure against violent extremist organizations operating in Somalia.
The U.S.
will retain the capability to conduct targeted counterterrorism operations in Somalia, and collect early warnings and indicators regarding threats to the homeland.
