Somalia holds the authority to determine the involvement of Ethiopian troops in the upcoming African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), scheduled to launch in January 2025, according to UK Ambassador Michael Nithavrianakis.
This decision comes amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts led by Kenya and Turkey to address tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, two neighbouring countries with intertwined histories.
Ethiopia has played a significant role in the African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), and the UK hopes to see its continued participation, contingent on Somalia’s approval.
In a recent interview, Ambassador Nithavrianakis emphasized the importance of transitioning Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) into future Troop Partnerships (TPNs) to ensure stability in the region.
“We need to reduce the tension and support diplomatic efforts underway to find a solution,†he stated.
Somalia has expressed concerns over Ethiopian forces’ participation in AUSSOM, particularly demanding their exclusion unless Ethiopia withdraws its Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland.
This reflects the complex political dynamics in the Horn of Africa, where regional alliances and historical grievances often shape military and diplomatic engagements.
As part of the reconfiguration of forces, approximately 13,000 troops from Ethiopia and four other nations are expected to withdraw from Somalia by the end of this year, paving the way for the new mission in 2025.
The outcome of these discussions will be crucial for the future stability of Somalia as it navigates its security landscape.
