Ethiopia has pledged to support a new African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia against Al-Shabaab militants, following a resolution of diplomatic tensions between the two nations facilitated by Turkey. Ethiopian Defence Minister Aisha Mohammed recently met with Somalia’s President to confirm their commitment to peace and cooperation, crucial for combating the ongoing insurgency.
On Friday, Ethiopia declared its commitment to assist a newly established African Union peacekeeping force aimed at combating the Al-Shabaab insurgents in Somalia, which is scheduled for deployment later this month. Previously, Ethiopia had indicated that its troops would not participate due to existing tensions stemming from a maritime agreement signed with Somaliland. However, following a deal facilitated by Turkey last month, both nations resolved to advance their collaboration for regional stability.
During a recent visit to Somalia, Ethiopian Defence Minister Aisha Mohammed met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, delivering a message from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. A statement from the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized their shared dedication to enhancing peace in Somalia and reiterated their collaboration on the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission (AUSSOM).
The United Nations Security Council approved the formation of this new AU mission late last year, with fourteen members supporting the resolution, while the United States abstained due to financial concerns. The objective of the peacekeeping force is to succeed the UN-endorsed African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which previously maintained a troop capacity of up to 12,000 soldiers until its withdrawal last December. Both Somalia and Ethiopia participated as non-voting attendees at the UNSC meeting, where Somalia’s envoy highlighted earlier agreements that facilitated troop contributions from partner nations. Furthermore, Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Ali Mohamed Omar, recently visited Addis Ababa to engage in discussions with his Ethiopian counterpart, Mesganu Arega, especially following recent violent incidents along the borders.
The context of this announcement is rooted in the ongoing conflict involving Al-Shabaab, an Islamist militant group posing significant threats to Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa region. Ethiopia’s involvement in Somalia has historic significance, characterized by complex interrelations between the two nations, particularly concerning security and territorial integrity. The tensions had been exacerbated by Ethiopia’s engagement with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region, leading to diplomatic strains. The peacekeeping operation, AUSSOM, emerges as a critical component in stabilizing the area, representing a shift from the prior ATMIS deployment mandated by the UN.
In summary, Ethiopia’s pledge to support the AUSSOM peacekeeping effort reflects a renewed commitment to collaborative regional stability in the face of the Al-Shabaab threat. Following previous diplomatic tensions, the agreement illustrates the potential for cooperation between Ethiopia and Somalia in military and peacekeeping operations. The establishment of AUSSOM signifies a vital transition for peacekeeping missions in Somalia, highlighting the international community’s ongoing interest in stabilizing the Horn of Africa region.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
