Ethiopia has rallied Troops Contributing Countries to reject Somalia’s unilateral approach in establishing the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Ethiopia emphasizes its essential role in the mission formation process, highlighting the sacrifices made by the TCCs in stabilizing Somalia and calling for better funding and consultation to combat ongoing threats from Al-Shabaab militants.
Ethiopia has actively mobilized Troops Contributing Countries (TCCs) to contest Somalia’s unilateral approach regarding the structure of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), asserting its necessity for involvement in the entire mission formation. The TCCs, spearheaded by Ethiopia, stress their readiness to aid in AUSSOM while emphasizing that their contributions to Somalia’s stabilization efforts must not be disregarded. During a recent meeting of defense ministers from TCCs, Aisha Mohammed, the defense minister of Ethiopia, stressed the nation’s commitment to aiding in Somalia’s stabilization. The joint communiqué from this meeting highlighted the sacrifices TCCs have made over the last seventeen years combating terrorism and aiding in the establishment of the Federal Government of Somalia. However, to ensure the success of the new mission, the ministers advocate for a reassessment of the funding allocated by the African Union, as current budgetary constraints hinder operations against Al-Shabaab militants, who continue to control significant territories in southern and central Somalia. As discussions concerning the AUSSOM establishment progress, the defense ministers have underscored the importance of incorporating lessons learned from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and have insisted that consultations with TCCs form an integral part of the mission design process. Tensions have escalated with Somalia opposing Ethiopia’s involvement in the new mission, arguing it has breached its territory and sovereignty, particularly following Ethiopia’s deal with the self-declared independent region of Somaliland regarding access to the Red Sea. This disagreement deepened when Egypt dispatched military personnel and equipment to Mogadishu, raising concerns in Ethiopia regarding the risks associated with transitioning from ATMIS. Additionally, recent diplomatic engagements involving Somalia, Egypt, and Eritrea, held during a tripartite summit in Asmara, focused on enhancing Somalia’s capabilities to secure its land and maritime borders.
The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is a planned operation aimed at bolstering the security and stability of Somalia amidst ongoing threats from terrorist groups, primarily Al-Shabaab. Ethiopia, as a significant Troops Contributing Country, has historically played a critical role in Somalia’s peacekeeping and stabilization efforts. The recent tensions illustrate the complexities of regional cooperation, particularly concerning national sovereignty and military presence. The involvement and reaction of various countries, including Somalia and Egypt, highlight the delicate balance of interests in the Horn of Africa. The establishment of AUSSOM requires careful consideration of past experiences, such as the ATMIS, to enhance its effectiveness and address the security challenges the region faces.
In conclusion, Ethiopia insists on its vital role in the formation of AUSSOM, advocating for the inclusion of Troops Contributing Countries in the decision-making process. With a focus on the contributions made by TCCs in previous missions, Ethiopian officials are calling for a review of funding mechanisms to ensure operational effectiveness against persistent threats in Somalia. The geopolitical dynamics involving Somalia, Egypt, and Eritrea illustrate the intricate challenges of regional cooperation and security in the Horn of Africa, necessitating ongoing dialogue and collaboration among all stakeholders.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
