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Mogadishu is holding firm that only the Somali government should have the final say on which countries will contribute troops to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which is set to replace the African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in January 2025. In a recent statement, the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the country’s right to make independent decisions, particularly opposing Ethiopia’s participation in the mission.
Ethiopian Troops Face Exclusion from AUSSOM mission Over Sovereignty Concerns
The Somali Foreign Ministry cited recent “unilateral actions” by Ethiopia, including an agreement with Somaliland regarding maritime access and the establishment of a naval base, as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty. “Ethiopia’s recent actions undermine trust and stability, making its involvement in AUSSOM counterproductive,” read the statement. Additionally, Somalia alleges that past Ethiopian deployments have fueled an increase in al-Shabaab activity.
Somalia Seeks Strategic AUSSOM Troop Partnership
Somalia aims for a more selective approach to AUSSOM troop contributions, prioritizing nations it considers reliable for its security objectives. Recent meetings have seen Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud discussing the mission’s framework with leaders from Djibouti, Kenya, Uganda, and Burundi, while Ethiopia’s proposal to join the mission remains on hold. Somalia has also built military alliances with Egypt and Eritrea to offset perceived Ethiopian influence.
AU and UN’s Role in Finalizing AUSSOM Troop Contributions
Meanwhile, the African Union (AU) and United Nations (UN) peace and security councils convened on October 25, 2024, to discuss AUSSOM’s modalities and funding, with a mid-November deadline to announce the list of troop-contributing countries. Ethiopia, highlighting the threat al-Shabaab poses to its security, has voiced concerns over its perceived exclusion from these discussions.
Impact on Ethiopia-Somalia Relations and Peace Talks
The exclusion of Ethiopian troops from AUSSOM has raised tensions and dimmed the prospects for a third round of peace talks mediated by Türkiye. Previous talks between Somalia and Ethiopia in Ankara aimed at reducing regional tensions have stalled, as both countries strengthen ties with rival regional powers. Experts caution that Somalia’s firm stance may complicate future diplomatic negotiations.