Ethiopia demands a voice in shaping AUSSOM, regardless of Somalia’s solo stance
- Advertisement -
ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia is rallying nations that contribute troops, emphasizing its role these countries should have a say in forming the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), challenging Somalia’s unilateral decisions.
Ethiopia, spearheading this coalition of Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs), argues that its involvement in the mission is crucial. Their various roles in Somalia should not go unnoticed or undervalued.
During a gathering of defense ministers from these nations, Ethiopia’s Aisha Mohammed asserted the country’s eagerness to support Somalia’s quest for stability.
A joint statement, viewed by Addis Standard, credits the past seventeen years of TCCs’ efforts as crucial to combating terrorism and fostering Somalia’s institutional growth under its Federal Government.
However, the new mission’s success hinges on addressing a budget crunch impacting African Union efforts against Al-Shabaab, controlling vast rural central and southern terrains.
In reestablishing AUSSOM, defense ministers insisted on applying lessons from ATMIS and emphasized the necessity of including TCCs in designing this mission.
Somalia, however, opposes Ethiopia’s involvement, citing breaches of territorial integrity after Ethiopia allegedly inked a deal with North Western State of Somalia concerning the Red Sea.
Tensions flared with Egypt dispatching military aid to Mogadishu, causing Ethiopia to voice concerns about transitioning from ATMIS, labeling it risky for the region.
Recently, Somalia, Egypt, and Eritrea hashed out plans in Asmara during a summit aimed at boosting Somalia’s border defense capabilities.
AXADLETM
