Somalia and Ethiopia have formed a military agreement aimed at enhancing cooperation and regional stability. This pact, facilitated by their military leaders, reinforces the normalization of bilateral relations following previous diplomatic strains. Both nations are committed to respecting each other’s sovereignty while collaborating on security issues and addressing troop deployment challenges in the African Union mission.
Somalia and Ethiopia have celebrated a new military agreement between the Somali National Army (SNA) and the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF). This agreement emphasizes mutual respect for each country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. General Odowaa Yusuf Rage of the SNA and Field Marshal Birhanu Jula facilitated the discussions that led to the deal, which was subsequently endorsed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during a visit to Mogadishu.
The joint communique issued after the leaders’ meeting labeled the pact as a significant advancement toward improving security cooperation and enhancing regional stability. The two leaders acknowledged the deal as a reinforcement of the normalization of bilateral relations, which had been strained in recent months due to Ethiopia’s previous agreements with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia.
Following these diplomatic tensions, Somalia had sought agreements with Egypt, a traditional competitor of Ethiopia, and restricted Ethiopian forces’ participation in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). However, recent discussions led to an agreement on the participation of Ethiopian forces in AUSSOM, which aims to enhance cooperation while preserving Somalia’s sovereignty.
A positive shift occurred when President Mohamud visited Ethiopia in January, culminating in agreements regarding diplomatic representation and expanded collaboration in economic and security matters. Turkey played a crucial mediating role in facilitating these discussions and agreements, aimed at rebuilding trust and promoting regional stability.
The AUSSOM forces comprise 11,900 troops sourced from Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Egypt, and Uganda. However, tensions arose with Burundi, as they threatened to withdraw their contingent over disputes regarding troop numbers, prompting calls for more soldiers to be dispatched to the region.
The recent military pact between Somalia and Ethiopia signifies a significant thawing of relations between the two nations, fostering enhanced cooperation in security and diplomacy. This development comes after a period of tensions, particularly due to Ethiopia’s previous agreement with Somaliland. Both countries are focused on rebuilding trust and ensuring regional stability through collaboration. The inclusion of Ethiopian forces in the AUSSOM mission marks a pivotal step towards greater security within Somalia, despite ongoing challenges with troop contributions from Burundi.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
