Ethiopia joins AU stabilisation mission in Somalia

Ethiopia has confirmed its participation in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which officially commenced on January 1, 2025.

This development follows high-level talks in Mogadishu led by Ethiopian Defense Minister Aisha Mohammed, who visited the Somali capital for discussions aimed at deepening security cooperation.

"The two countries agreed to collaborate on the AUSSOM mission and strengthen bilateral relations," Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Friday.

The talks highlighted both countries' shared commitment to ensuring "peace and stability in Somalia and the region" as they work together to address ongoing security challenges.

Somalia's Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur Jama expressed "appreciation and gratitude for the Ethiopian Defense Forces' sacrifices and contributions to ensuring peace in Somalia."

Ambassador Mesganu Arga, Ethiopia's State Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that "peace in Somalia directly impacts Ethiopia," noting that deeper collaboration would help both nations "focus on development by addressing security challenges promptly."

Cautious

However, this collaboration comes as Somalia has appeared to be diplomatically cautious regarding its security decisions.

On December 28, 2024, Mogadishu informed the UN Security Council that it had secured 11,000 security personnel for AUSSOM through bilateral agreements, notably excluding Ethiopia from the force.

"The Federal Government of Somalia has undertaken a comprehensive review of its security as we transition from ATMIS to the new mission, AUSSOM," a Somali official stated during a UNSC meeting that authorised the new mission, which replaces the African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

"In that period, our original planners from three contributing countries have shown remarkable solidarity, pledging to maintain our necessary force of 11,000 troops for AUSSOM," the official added.

"This commitment addresses any security vacuum created by Ethiopia while sustaining progress in the fight against Al-Shabaab in the country."

The UN Security Council approved the resolution with 14 out of 15 member states in favour, while the United States abstained due to concerns over funding. The decision formally transitions the mission from ATMIS, whose mandate expired on December 31, to AUSSOM.

Tensions in the Horn of Africa have escalated following Ethiopia's January maritime agreement with Somaliland, which led Somalia to draw closer to Ethiopia's regional rival, Egypt.

However, a Turkey-brokered deal earlier this month helped ease the nearly year-long dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia, though Ethiopian troops will remain absent from the new AU force.