MOGADISHU, Somalia – The landscape of peacekeeping in Somalia is shifting significantly. In an ambitious step towards quelling the persistent insurgency led by Al-Shabaab and ISIS militants, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) along with the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) have pledged a substantial number of troops to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This commitment follows a critical authorization by the federal government of Somalia, underscoring regional cooperation in pursuit of peace.

Reflecting on historical engagements, many recall how challenging these operations have been. But as an adage goes, “In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.” For Uganda, this opportunity takes the shape of dispatching 4,500 soldiers. Ethiopia, pledging 2,500 soldiers, prepares to fortify its ranks alongside, contributing after January 2023—marking a transition from the now-phased-out African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

The AUSSOM mandate, defined by the United Nations Security Council, extends until 2028. This generous timeline is designed to nurture Somalia’s own security forces, transforming them into self-sufficient protectors of peace in regions traditionally held by militants. Yet, a pressing question lingers: Can Somalia’s security apparatus indeed stand alone in the coming years? This remains to be seen, as fewer than 12,626 troops will be authorized, a decrease from ATMIS’s previous deployment levels. It’s a gamble rooted in Somalia’s ambition to control foreign military presence within its borders.

An anecdote comes to mind from a conversation with a Somali officer, who remarked, “We’ve walked through dark times, but dawn is breaking.” Indeed, such optimism fuels the collaborative spirit entering this new chapter. The Operations Coordination Committee (SOCC) in Somalia confirms Ethiopia’s concerns over previous diplomatic hurdles. Tensions simmered over a controversial pact between Addis Ababa and North Western State of Somalia. Yet, through mediation helmed by Turkey, Ethiopia and Somalia have struck a balance.

Meanwhile, Egypt, ascending to participate with approximately 1,100 soldiers, signifies a pivot in regional dynamics post-disagreement over the Grand Renaissance Dam. Neighboring nations like Djibouti and Kenya, detaching any hesitations, have committed 1,520 and 1,410 peacekeepers, respectively. Their participation brings to mind the quiet strength within African unity when faced with shared adversities. As described in African parlance, “When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you.”

The journey to this recalibration in strategy hasn’t been free of obstacles. Each compromise, every handshake, tells a story of necessity—a tale echoed across continents where peace remains far from given. How then can such facets of diplomacy teach us about our potential for harmony in more personal spheres?

As Somalia steers this conglomerate of African forces, the undercurrent is one of solidarity, overshadowing years of conflict and mistrust. The Ethiopian troops, reconciled in previous incongruences, highlight the mission’s unexpected harmony. Meanwhile, Egypt’s reluctant participation against prior disputes further portrays the complexity of regional geopolitics.

Reflecting on these efforts, a reader might wonder: What lessons can today’s leaders draw from this initiative? It’s a question that leads us to consider: Are solutions often found in collaboration rather than competition? In essence, as the peacekeeping wheels turn in Somalia, the real victory may well lie in how these nations untangle their intertwined destinies, each one nudging the region toward sustainable peace.