Ethiopia's Army Chief Visits Somalia to Discuss AU Mission

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Ethiopia's army chief, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, led a high-level delegation to Somalia on Sunday. The delegation discussed strengthening bilateral ties and Ethiopia's role in the African Union mission, following a recent meeting between the leaders of both nations in Addis Ababa.

Birhanu along with Redwan Hussien who is serving as Director General of the National Intelligence and Security Service of Ethiopia visited Mogadishu unannounced and met with Somalia's military chief, General Odawa Yusuf Rage, and the director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Abdullahi Mohammed Ali. The discussions underscored Ethiopia’s ongoing support for Somalia’s efforts to combat terrorism and secure lasting peace, officials said.

Ethiopia has been a key contributor to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), which was deployed in 2007 to bolster security in the conflict-ridden Horn of Africa nation. The mission has since transitioned into the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), with Ethiopian troops remaining a vital component.

Both sides expressed optimism about deepening ties, with Somali officials praising Ethiopia’s commitment to regional stability. The visit follows talks between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohammed, signaling a renewed push for cooperation.

Ethiopia’s foreign policy, centered on fostering peaceful relations with its neighbors, was highlighted as a driving force behind its engagement in Somalia. The leaders also cited the recent diplomatic accord, the Ankara Agreement, as a framework for advancing peace and development across the region.

Somali security officials emphasized the critical role of international peacekeeping efforts, including ATMIS, in laying the groundwork for the country’s future stability. Ethiopia and Somalia reaffirmed their shared commitment to countering extremism and promoting security in the Horn of Africa.

Somalia resolutely decided last year to bar Ethiopian troops from participating in the upcoming African Union peacekeeping mission, AUSSOM, following the Red Sea MoU that PM Abiy Ahmed reached with Somaliland, a breakaway region in the north of the Horn of Africa nation.

GAROWE ONLINE