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Somalia has officially excluded Ethiopian troops from participating in the upcoming African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), set to replace the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in January 2025. This decision reflects ongoing tensions between the two nations regarding sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Key Points:
– Exclusion of Ethiopian Troops: Somalia’sDefencee Minister, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, announced that Ethiopia’s exclusion stems from perceived violations of Somalia’s sovereignty, highlighting a significant diplomatic rift.
– Background of Tensions: Relations have soured over Ethiopia’s aspirations for access to the Red Sea and its involvement with Somaliland, viewed by Somalia as a direct threat to nationauny.
– Future of AUSSOM: The AUSSOM mission will involve around 12,000 troops—significantly fewer than the previous ATMIS deployment—and aims to combat al-Shabab and stabilize the region until at least 2028.
– Shift in Alliances: Somalia is seeking to strengthen security ties with Egypt, indicating a potential shift in regional alliances amidst the absence of Ethiopian involvement.
– Egypt’s Role: Egypt plans to deploy approximately 10,000 troops to Somalia, marking its largest military deployment abroad since the Gulf War. Egypt is committed to training Somali forces and enhancing bilateral relations, focusing on counterterrorism efforts against al-Shabab.
Concerns Over Regional Stability: The exclusion of Ethiopian forces raises alarms within the international community, as ongoing tensions between Ethiopia and Egypt could lead to regional conflict, potentially drawing Somalia and Somaliland into the fray.
Moreover, Somalia is currently under Section 7 of the UN Security Council resolutions, which implies that the responsibility for maintaining peace and security lies with the United Nations. This situation means that Somalican notot unilaterally choose who ensures its security; it must rely on international support and intervention.
Forcing Somaliland to align itself with a struggling state undermines the principles of self-determination and could endanger the peace that the UN is tasked to uphold.
In light of these developments, it is crucial for the African Union and the international community to address the potential dangers of sidelining Ethiopia, which has played a significant role in Somalia’s security landscape. Immediate action is needed to ensure stability in the Horn of Africa, as the current trajectory poses serious risks to regional peace and security.
The information contained in the article posted represents the views and opinions of the author and does not necessarily represent the views or opinions commentators. the article a opininian of the author don’t necessarily reflect the Editorial policy of Araweelo News Network.
Dr. Abdi A. Hassan, Peace and Security Analysis in the Horn of Africa.