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In a significant shift, the Somali government has expressed openness to Ethiopian troops playing a role in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This development follows recent conciliatory talks in Turkey between Somalia and Ethiopia.
A Diplomatic Breakthrough in Ankara
A senior Somali official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the government had secured troop contributions from four nations—Burundi, Djibouti, Kenya, and Uganda—for AUSSOM. However, the Turkish-hosted discussions on December 11, 2024, marked a potential thaw in relations, with Somali leaders signaling readiness to reconsider Ethiopia’s involvement.
Somalia had previously demanded Ethiopia withdraw its troops unless it canceled a contentious Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland. The agreement, which granted Ethiopia access to Somaliland’s coastline, heightened tensions, with Somalia viewing it as a breach of sovereignty. The Ankara meeting saw both nations agreeing to uphold mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, creating space for collaboration.
Ethiopia’s Role in Counterterrorism
Ethiopia has long played a crucial role in combating al-Shabaab, a militant group destabilizing the Horn of Africa. Ethiopian Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Nebiat Getachew reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to eliminating al-Shabaab and securing regional stability.
“It is an undeniable fact that the Ethiopian army has made sacrifices in blood and bones for this great result,” said Getachew. He emphasized that Ethiopia’s efforts were instrumental in stabilizing Somalia and would persist to prevent the resurgence of militant threats.
African Union’s Call for Support
The African Union’s Peace and Security Council convened on Thursday to address the persistent threat of al-Shabaab. The council condemned the group’s attacks on Somali and AU forces and urged the United Nations Security Council to explore financing options for AUSSOM.
“This is vital for #AUSSOM to fulfill its mandate & support the #Somalia Security Sector Development Plan (#SSDP),” the AU stated in a social media post.
AUSSOM, set to commence in January 2025, will include 11,900 personnel, comprising soldiers, police, and civilian staff, as part of a broader effort to stabilize Somalia and improve its security infrastructure.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
The Somali government’s willingness to engage Ethiopia marks a pivotal moment in regional diplomacy. However, skepticism lingers due to Ethiopia’s past agreements with Somaliland and internal opposition to foreign troop presence.
The Somali public and business sectors remain wary of escalating violence, particularly as al-Shabaab has intensified attacks in response to surveillance and security initiatives. Ensuring transparent communication and addressing public concerns will be key to implementing AUSSOM effectively.
Future Prospects
As Somalia prepares for AUSSOM’s launch, the renewed partnership with Ethiopia could strengthen its counterterrorism strategy and regional alliances. The next steps will involve formalizing troop contributions, aligning security objectives, and securing international funding to sustain the mission’s operations.