BAL ‘AD (SD)-The Somali Federal Government has responded to Kenyan President William Ruto’s recent statement during an official visit to the United States that if the African peacekeeping forces withdraw from Somalia, the Al-Shabaab group could easily take over the country.

In response, Somali Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Bal ‘ad strongly refuted President Ruto’s statement, calling it inaccurate.

Bal ‘ad emphasized that the current situation in Somalia is not comparable to that of Afghanistan and that ATMIS forces will withdraw as scheduled, dismissing concerns that Al-Shabaab could take control of the country.

The Kenyan government, which has troops as part of ATMIS in Somalia, appears to prefer maintaining its presence in Somalia to benefit Politically and economically.