Ethiopia and Somalia have agreed on the deployment of the ENDF within the AUSSOM, aiming to strengthen regional security. Following high-level discussions, they emphasized cooperation, respect for Somalia’s sovereignty, and plans for a Status of Force Agreement for Ethiopian forces in Somalia. Diplomatic relations have improved after earlier tensions over Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland.
Ethiopia and Somalia have reached an agreement on the deployment of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) within the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This consensus was confirmed through a joint communiqué following a visit from an Ethiopian delegation, led by Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, Chief of the ENDF, on February 22. The meeting was a continuation of discussions initiated by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud earlier this month in Addis Ababa.
The discussions conducted in Mogadishu placed a strong emphasis on regional security and the critical importance of maintaining peace, security, and stability within the Horn of Africa. The Ethiopian delegation included notable figures such as Redwan Hussein, head of the National Intelligence and Security Service, while Somali officials, including Maj. Gen. Odawa Yusuf Rage and Abdullahi Mohamed Ali, signified their welcome to the Ethiopian team and highlighted the solid bilateral ties between the two nations.
This agreement emerges after a period of diplomatic strains between Ethiopia and Somalia; tensions arose when Ethiopia entered a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, enabling access to a segment of its coastline. Somalia condemned this move as an infringement of its territorial sovereignty, asserting that Ethiopia would not take part in AU-led forces replacing the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Furthermore, Somalia deepened its military collaboration with Egypt, leading to the deployment of Egyptian troops and military supplies.
Despite the earlier tensions, relations have improved following the Ankara Declaration facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, which involved the leaders of Ethiopia and Somalia. In a subsequent high-level consultation in January 2025, which included Ethiopian Defense Minister Aisha Mohammed, both nations reiterated their commitment to enhance cooperation and ensure the effective functioning of AUSSOM.
The communiqué affirms that both countries welcomed the establishment of AUSSOM and emphasized the necessity of building upon the accomplishments of ATMIS. Furthermore, leadership from both sides acknowledged the significant role of ENDF in the broader African Union peace support operations and confirmed the force disposition of ENDF within AUSSOM. They also agreed that the Federal Government of Somalia would serve as the sole authority for Ethiopia’s engagements in Somalia, further affirming the vital respect for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Additionally, both parties plan to create a Status of Force Agreement (SOFA) for the ENDF’s operations in Somalia, viewing this agreement as central to the December 2023 Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation.
In summary, Ethiopia and Somalia have successfully established a framework for the deployment of the ENDF within the AUSSOM. This agreement symbolizes a significant step towards enhancing cooperation and ensuring regional stability in the Horn of Africa. By reaffirming mutual respect for sovereignty and establishing clear protocols for military engagement, both nations aspire to continue their collaboration effectively.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
