Uganda, May 18 -- The imminent exit of more African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (Atmis) and the ultimate expiry of the force's mandate at the end of this year have triggered unease among troop-contributing countries, with Uganda President Yoweri Museveni and his Kenyan counterpart William Ruto raising the alarm for a need to revisit the pullout plan to avert a security vacuum.

The two leaders, whose countries contribute troops to Atmis, said after a meeting at State House, Nairobi, on May 16 that they were concerned about the threat of terrorism and insecurity "in our region and affirmed commitment to strengthen regional peace and security approaches and programmes."

According to the United Nations Security Council road map, 4,0...