Lawmakers Accuse Ethiopian AU Troops of Political Interference in Somalia’s Buurhakaba District

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Lawmakers representing the Buurhakaba constituency have accused Ethiopian troops serving under the African Union mission in Somalia of meddling in local politics in Southwest State, alleging pressure on district officials and a failure to prioritize security in a volatile area.

In a letter dated February 27, 2026, and addressed to the Chairperson of the African Union, three federal MPs — Saadad Mohamed Nur Aliyow, Fowsiyo Mohamed Sheikh, and Mohamed Ali Hassan — said Ethiopian forces operating in Sector 3 “exerted pressure” on the Buurhakaba district administration in ways that stray from their mandate.

The lawmakers argued the troops have fallen short on core security responsibilities while simultaneously becoming involved in district-level political dynamics. They warned the conduct risks eroding public trust in the African Union mission and could destabilize an already fragile security and political environment in Southwest State.

“Security forces mandated to protect civilians and stabilize the country should not be involved in shaping its political direction,” the lawmakers wrote.

The MPs said their stance reflects a wider consensus in Buurhakaba — not merely the view of district officials — and cited the backing of elected representatives, traditional elders, civil society actors, politicians and local security stakeholders who share concerns over external interference.

They also referenced the 2018 Southwest State elections, when Ethiopian forces were accused of involvement in the arrest of former presidential candidate Mukhtar Robow. That episode, they said, continues to fuel mistrust and suspicion among residents, compounding anxieties over the current political climate.

Beyond political concerns, the lawmakers flagged deteriorating humanitarian conditions. They cited local reports of blockades and disruptions to civilian and humanitarian flights, which they said have impeded aid access and movement at a time when severe drought has intensified water shortages.

According to the MPs, the cumulative effect of political interference, security shortfalls and humanitarian impediments is deepening public frustration in Buurhakaba and undermining confidence in institutions tasked with protecting civilians and supporting stabilization efforts.

Key points raised in the lawmakers’ letter include:

• Alleged political pressure by Ethiopian forces in Sector 3 on Buurhakaba’s district administration.
• Claims that troops have not adequately fulfilled core security duties while engaging in local political matters.
• Concerns that the conduct is damaging public trust in the African Union mission and threatening stability in Southwest State.
• A reminder of lingering community mistrust linked to the 2018 Southwest State elections and the arrest of former candidate Mukhtar Robow.
• Warnings over worsening humanitarian access due to blockades, flight disruptions and drought-driven water scarcity.

The letter did not specify any formal remedies sought from the African Union beyond drawing urgent attention to the allegations and their consequences. However, the lawmakers’ emphasis on mandate adherence and community confidence suggests they want clear separation between peacekeeping duties and local political processes, particularly in districts confronting insurgent threats and humanitarian needs.

There was no immediate public response from Ethiopian authorities or from the African Union mission regarding the allegations.

By Ali Musa

Axadle Times international–Monitoring.