Somalia to lead selection of troops for new AU mission amid tensions with Ethiopia

The Federal Government of Somalia has announced a firm stance on maintaining sovereignty and steering future peacekeeping efforts in the country.

In a press statement on Wednesday, the government declared that it would lead the decision-making process for selecting countries that contribute troops to the African Union Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This mission is set to replace the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

The decision emphasises Somalia's authority to determine the future direction of peacekeeping and security operations within its borders.

According to the statement, Somalia intends to prioritise its sovereignty and national interests in all decisions related to AUSSOM while ensuring alignment with its security and development objectives.

The Somali government highlighted recent actions by Ethiopia, noting that its "unilateral" agreements concerning Somalia’s northern regions have violated Somali sovereignty and eroded trust.

These concerns come in the context of a history of Ethiopian troop deployments that, according to Somali authorities, have resulted in increased Al-Shabaab activity without substantial developmental gains.

Somalia’s government stressed the importance of a more strategic selection of troop-contributing nations, underscoring that all partners in AUSSOM must respect Somali sovereignty.

With the upcoming transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM, Somalia is committed to leading the decision-making process.

The government reaffirmed that any countries contributing troops to the mission would be chosen by Somalia itself. This step is intended to guarantee that troop partners are aligned with Somalia's priorities for security and development.

“Somalia, as a sovereign state, holds the authority to decide which troop partner nations (TPNs) will contribute troops to this mission,” the government’s statement declared.

While asserting a national-led selection process, the Somali government reiterated its willingness to work closely with international partners, including the African Union, United Nations, and European Union. However, the collaboration is conditional on the acknowledgement of Somalia sovereignty, with the government making it clear that it will not compromise on decisions related to the country’s security and future.

Somalia called on its partners to uphold the principles of sovereignty and mutual respect, aiming for a peaceful and prosperous outcome for the region.