Quote from Alex bobby on December 20, 2024, 6:17 AM

Somalia Open to Ethiopian Troops in New AU Peacekeeping Mission

The Somali government is signaling openness to the involvement of Ethiopian troops in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), set to commence next month. This marks a potential diplomatic shift following months of tension between the two neighboring nations.

A senior Somali official, speaking anonymously to VOA's Horn of Africa Service, stated that Somalia has secured all necessary personnel from Burundi, Djibouti, Kenya, and Uganda, the primary contributors to AUSSOM. However, recent discussions between Somali and Ethiopian leaders, facilitated by Turkey, have reopened the possibility of Ethiopia's participation in the mission.

Diplomatic Breakthrough in Turkey

The dialogue in Ankara marked a turning point in Somali-Ethiopian relations. Both nations agreed to respect each other's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, which has laid the groundwork for potential collaboration in AUSSOM.

Previously, Somalia had demanded the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops unless Addis Ababa revoked a controversial Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland. The agreement granted Ethiopia access to a strategic 20-kilometer stretch of the Red Sea coastline in exchange for recognizing Somaliland's independence — a deal Mogadishu staunchly opposed.

While Somali leaders initially sought to exclude Ethiopia from AUSSOM due to this dispute, the improved diplomatic tone has softened their stance. The Somali official noted that Ethiopia’s military support could complement the contributions already pledged by other AU member states.

Ethiopia's Role in Regional Stability

Ethiopian officials, including Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nebiat Getachew, have emphasized their country’s longstanding commitment to combating al-Shabab, the extremist group posing a grave threat to Somalia and the broader region.

"Ethiopia's sacrifices in blood and bones for Somalia’s stability and its key role in weakening al-Shabab are well-known," said Getachew. He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s dedication to ensuring that al-Shabab is no longer a regional threat and that prior gains are not lost.

Ethiopia’s military presence in Somalia, both as part of official AU missions and unilateral operations, has been pivotal in countering al-Shabab. However, its involvement has not been without controversy, particularly regarding sovereignty issues.

AU Appeals for Support

The African Union’s Peace and Security Council remains focused on the al-Shabab threat, expressing concern over the extremist group’s ongoing attacks on Somali and AU forces. In a recent statement, the council condemned al-Shabab’s activities and called on the U.N. Security Council to explore financing options to support AUSSOM.

"This is vital for AUSSOM to fulfill its mandate and support the Somalia Security Sector Development Plan (SSDP)," the AU said on social media platform X.

Starting in January, AUSSOM will deploy 11,900 personnel, including soldiers, police officers, and civilian support staff, to maintain peace and security in Somalia. This follows the phased drawdown of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which has been operational since 2022.

Challenges Ahead

While the inclusion of Ethiopian troops in AUSSOM could strengthen the mission, it remains a sensitive issue. The Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland is still a contentious point, and Somali leaders must balance national unity with regional cooperation.

Additionally, Somalia’s security environment remains precarious. Al-Shabab continues to carry out deadly attacks, targeting both Somali civilians and AU forces. Stabilizing the country requires not only robust military action but also political and economic reforms to address underlying grievances that fuel extremism.

A Path Forward

The Somali government’s willingness to reconsider Ethiopian involvement in AUSSOM underscores a pragmatic approach to peacekeeping. By leveraging Ethiopia’s experience and military capability, Somalia could bolster its fight against al-Shabab and strengthen regional stability.

At the same time, continued international support, particularly through financial contributions to AUSSOM, will be critical to the mission’s success. The AU’s appeal to the U.N. Security Council highlights the importance of sustained global engagement in Somalia’s security challenges.

As AUSSOM prepares to launch, the diplomatic thaw between Somalia and Ethiopia may prove to be a crucial step in ensuring the mission’s effectiveness. With cooperation from regional and international stakeholders, Somalia has an opportunity to move closer to lasting peace and security.