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Somalia has announced that Ethiopia will not be included in its new African Union (AU) peacekeeping mission, a decision stemming from long-standing political disputes between the neighboring nations. Somalia’s decision reflects ongoing concerns about sovereignty and Ethiopia’s recent involvement with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region that Mogadishu does not recognize.
AU Transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM
The current African Union force in Somalia, known as ATMIS, has been active since 2007 in the fight against Al-Shabaab jihadists. ATMIS has gradually reduced its numbers as part of a transition plan to fully hand over security responsibilities to Somalia’s national forces. This mission, which includes approximately 3,000 Ethiopian troops, will conclude at the end of 2024, with a new mission, AUSSOM, set to replace it.
Somalia’s Defense Minister, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, confirmed Ethiopia’s exclusion, citing a violation of Somalia’s “sovereignty and unity.” Somalia will now reach out to other nations to participate in AUSSOM, which is planned to last until 2028.
Ethiopia’s Deal with Somaliland Sparks Diplomatic Tensions
Relations between Somalia and Ethiopia took a significant turn earlier this year when Ethiopia struck a deal with Somaliland, leasing coastal land for a port and military base. This agreement angered Mogadishu, which views Somaliland’s self-governance claims as illegitimate and saw the deal as a threat to its territorial integrity.
This development has further strained the already complex relationship between the two countries, and Somalia has recently formed closer alliances with countries such as Eritrea and Egypt. These alliances, which include offers from Cairo to provide troops for AUSSOM, are seen by some as counterweights to Ethiopia’s influence in the region.
Key Changes in Somalia’s New AU Mission
Under the revamped mission, AUSSOM will include fewer troops, with the UN estimating troop numbers to be under 12,000. Minister Nur emphasized that the mission would differ from ATMIS in both size and strategic deployments, which will focus on limited locations to increase efficiency and reduce civilian impact.
The Somali government, in coordination with AU forces, initiated an “all-out” campaign against Al-Shabaab in 2022. Despite efforts, Al-Shabaab continues to stage attacks against civilian, military, and political targets, keeping security a critical priority for Somalia.
A Long-Standing AU Mission to Counter Al-Shabaab
The AU mission in Somalia has been one of the longest-running African peacekeeping efforts, with multiple countries, including Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, and Djibouti, contributing troops to stabilize the region. However, the transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM reflects changing dynamics and Somalia’s drive toward self-sufficiency in its fight against insurgent groups.
Somalia’s Defense Ministry is now considering potential international partnerships for AUSSOM, promising to reveal the list of new participants and those excluded in due course.