Somalia Makes Bold Move to Exclude Ethiopian Forces from New AU Peace Initiative
MOGADISHU, Somalia – In a development brimming with geopolitical intrigue, Somalia has officially petitioned the African Union (AU) and the United Nations for the exclusion of Ethiopian military personnel from a restructured peacekeeping force. This initiative aims to tackle insurgents tied to al-Qaeda, notably the notorious group al-Shabaab.
This decision, unveiled through a foreign affairs ministry communique, follows a period of fraught relations. The tensions are largely rooted in Ethiopia’s pact concerning North Western State of Somalia’s coastal territory in January 2024—a region Somalia firmly regards as its own.
Somalia’s appeal, directed at both the AU and UN, marks a notable pivot in its attitude towards foreign military presence within its borders. Historically, Ethiopian forces have participated in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), and its successor operation, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). This mission is poised to transition by late 2024 towards a Somali-driven security strategy.
Diplomatic recognition of North Western State of Somalia by Ethiopia, in exchange for port access and a military foothold on the Red Sea, has fueled discord. Somalia views this move as territorial balkanization, significantly straining bilateral ties. Domestic critics suggest that Ethiopian involvement could camouflage an agenda that challenges Somalia’s territorial wholeness under the pretense of anti-terrorism efforts.
Should Ethiopia’s soldiers be removed from the equation, the repercussions for the broader anti-Al-Shabaab strategy could be substantial. While Egypt appears to be aligning more closely with Somalia amid these developments, the ultimate effect on regional security transitions remains to be clearly determined.
This request not only brings to light the tangled web of national interests and regional stability issues but also raises critical questions about future international peacekeeping efforts, particularly amid ongoing disputes over borders and recognition. The AU and UN are now tasked with the sensitive challenge of balancing Somalia’s sovereignty with the crucial need for effective military assistance against terrorism.
Thousands of Ethiopian troops currently operate in Somalia, some under bilateral security accords, while others are part of ATMIS, whose mandate is set to conclude on December 31, 2024.
AXADLETM
