MOGADISHU, Somalia – Ethiopia has expressed opposition to Somalia’s decision to exclude it from contributing troops to the new African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
The new mission is set to begin on Jan 1, 2025, replacing the African Union Transitional Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), as approved by the UN Security Council during a meeting on Friday.
Somalia said it has already secured 12,000 security personnel through bilateral agreements with other troop-contributing countries, rejecting Ethiopia’s request for participation.
In his address to the Council, Tesfaye Yilma Sabo, Ethiopia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, criticized the exclusion, blaming extra-regional actors — specifically Egypt — for interfering.
Ambassador Sabo said Ethiopia is ready to contribute, despite Somalia’s refusal due to violations, including the maritime deal with Somaliland and the attack on Somali troops in the Gedo region.
He also emphasized Ethiopia’s support for Somalia, with its troops sacrificing their lives for peace, and reiterated the country’s commitment to fighting the Al-Shabaab group.
“Ethiopia played a key role in supporting Somalia’s security institutions, making the ultimate sacrifice, even without international support,” he said.
He also said the fight against terrorism could be achieved with sincerity. “Ethiopia is ready to play its part in the AUSSOM mission.”
The exclusion raises questions, despite Somalia and Ethiopia resolving their 11-month tensions in the Ankara Declaration led by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on December 11.
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 Somalia is unwilling to change its decision. Ethiopia has no choice but to withdraw troops before the 31 December deadline set by Somalia prior to the Ankara talks.
