Somali forces have assumed security responsibilities in five of six sectors where African Union (AU) troops have been deployed.

The defence ministry said it appreciated the "sacrifices" made over the years by the AU mission and the countries which had contributed soldiers - Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda.

The statement came after the scheduled withdrawal of 2,000 AU troops - expected to have left by 30 June.

Most of the military bases so far handed over are located in the Lower Shabelle region and were operated by the Burundian contingent of the mission.

Another 3,000 AU soldiers are expected to leave by the end of September - with the entire force due to be out of Somalia by the close of 2024.

The AU has helping the fragile Somali government fight the al-Shabab Islamist militant group since 2007.
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