MOGADISHU, Somalia – The United Nations Security Council has endorsed the new African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The mission will succeed ATMIS effective on Jan 1, 2025.
Security Council Resolution 2767 allows the African Union to deploy up to 12,626 personnel, including 1,040 police officers. The first phase of the mission will last until June 30, 2025.
Somalia said it had already secured 12,000 security personnel through bilateral agreements with troop-contributing countries, snubbing Ethiopia’s request to join the mission.
Regional experts believe Ethiopia’s exclusion from the new mission will rekindle diplomatic tensions with Somalia and in the Horn of Africa.
They also question the exclusion, as Somalia and Ethiopia resolved year-long tensions in talks dubbed the Ankara Declaration, led by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on December 11.
Somalia’s National Security Adviser, Hussein Moalim, said Somalia is actively engaging with the African Union and potential troop-contributing countries for AUSSOM.
Moalim added that the mission’s mandate allows Somalia to determine the participation. He also said a decision will be announced, aligning with his country’s national priorities.
Reliable diplomatic sources say Ethiopia’s exclusion stems from ongoing violations in Somalia. Uganda is set to take over all sectors previously held by Ethiopia, with 7,175 soldiers allowed to be deployed.
Kenya will also remain in Jubaland and is allowed to deploy 1,400 personnel, while Djibouti will stay in its current sector – Hiiraan region – and is allowed to deploy 1,800 personnel.
Burundi is unhappy with the proposal to limit its troop numbers to 1,041 personnel, demanding at least 2,000 soldiers to ensure its forces’ safety.
Regional analysts suggest the new mission will face challenges, as Ethiopia is disqualified, while Egypt, its regional rival over the Nile River dispute, is allowed to contribute troops.
Many Somalis question if Ethiopia’s exclusion means its troops are no longer needed in Somalia, while Egypt is geared up to deploy troops, a move that could further escalate tensions.
However, it remains unclear if the Ankara Declaration will proceed, as Ethiopia has yet to comment on Somalia’s decision. Ethiopia has three days to withdraw troops before the 31 December deadline set by Somalia prior to the Ankara talks.
