Somalia Seeks to Bar Ethiopian Troops from Revamped AU Peacekeeping Force

FILE: The exclusion of Ethiopian troops, if implemented, could have implications for the broader strategy against al-Shabaab

MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a move that underscores the escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, the Somali government has formally requested the African Union (AU) and the United Nations to exclude Ethiopian soldiers from a new peacekeeping mission aimed at combating al-Qaeda-linked insurgents, al-Shabaab.

The decision was announced in a statement issued by the foreign affairs ministry and it comes on the heels of strained relations precipitated by Ethiopia's sea MoU Somaliland signed in January 2024, which Somalia considers to be part of its sovereign territory.

The request, which has been communicated to both the AU and UN, marks a significant shift in Somalia's stance towards the composition of foreign forces within its borders. Previously, Ethiopian troops have been part of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and its successor, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which is set to transition by the end of 2024 towards Somali-led security.

The recognition of Somaliland by Ethiopia in exchange for access to a port and establishing a military base in the Red Sea, has been a point of contention. This move was seen by Somalia as an act of territorial dismemberment, significantly souring bilateral relations. Critics within Somalia argue that Ethiopian involvement in peacekeeping operations within their country could serve dual purposes, potentially undermining Somalia's territorial integrity under the guise of combating terrorism.

The exclusion of Ethiopian troops, if implemented, could have implications for the broader strategy against Al-Shabaab, which has maintained a resilient presence despite years of military operations. While some regional players like Egypt have been seen aligning closer to Somalia, possibly in response to Ethiopia's strategic moves concerning Somaliland, the overall impact on regional security dynamics remains to be seen.

The request not only highlights the complex interplay of national interests and regional security but also poses questions about the future of international peacekeeping missions where national boundaries and recognition are in dispute. The AU and UN now face the delicate task of balancing Somalia's sovereignty concerns with the necessary military support to combat terrorism effectively.

Ethiopia has thousands of soldiers in Somalia, some operating under a security deal while others are part of the African Union Transion Mission [ATMIS], which is set to end by December 31, 2024.

GAROWE ONLINE