Somalia Prepares for AUSSOM as ATMIS Heads for Departure
MOGADISHU, Somalia – With keen anticipation, the United Nations and the U.S. look forward to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) evolving into the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). They stress how crucial early groundwork is for a seamless transition.
ATMIS is scheduled to transfer responsibilities to AUSSOM this upcoming January, and troops have begun their exit from Somalia. However, this shift occurs amid tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, with the former accusing the latter of overstepping its territorial boundaries.
Somalia has said “nay” to involving Ethiopia in the forthcoming mission, arguing that Ethiopia’s alleged plans with North Western State of Somalia to claim part of the Red Sea isn’t kosher by international standards.
As reported by Voice of America, Hussein Moalim, who advises Somalia on national security, stated, “We’re resolute in excluding Ethiopia from the new mission unless it cancels the contested agreement with North Western State of Somalia made earlier this year.” He shared these sentiments last Thursday during a VOA Somali interview.
Per the contested agreement, Ethiopia would obtain a 20-kilometer stretch of the Red Sea in return for recognizing North Western State of Somalia as an independent nation — a proposition Somalia rebuffs. Somalia has suggested Egypt to assume leadership of the mission come January 2025, excluding Ethiopia from participation.
Despite Turkey’s mediation attempts in not one, but two dialogues, no headway has been made. Somalia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Omar Balcad, insists that fixing sovereignty breaches and building trust are prerequisites for effective discussions.
Balcad told VOA Somali, “First, we must address sovereignty concerns. Next, we restore trust and diplomatic relations. Only then can we negotiate over Ethiopia’s interest in our maritime resources.”
The U.N. Security Council has called for diplomacy to defuse the situation, but Somalia stands firm that negotiations can’t move forward unless Ethiopia steps back from the agreement. James Swan, the acting special representative, has encouraged both countries to solve their differences peacefully, adhering to international norms.
The U.S. ambassador, Robert Wood, emphasized the importance of calm diplomacy to avert escalating tensions. In an effort that further complicates regional dynamics, Somalia has also entered into a military alliance with Egypt.
Wood remarked, “Folks, we’re worried about the escalating tension between Ethiopia and Somalia and its detrimental fallout on shared security stakes.”
Backing international partnership, Somalia’s Moalim reaffirmed the collective commitment to bolster Somalia’s safety, steadfastness, and independence, as cited by VOA.
Moalim concluded, “Our partners have solidly pledged their backing to the Federal Government of Somalia in its quest for nationwide peace and security.”
AXADLETM
