Ethiopia and Somalia have agreed on the ENDF’s role within AUSSOM after discussions between leaders and officials. This initiative aims to strengthen regional security and cooperation amid previous tensions. The agreement emphasizes respect for Somalia’s sovereignty and plans for a Status of Forces Agreement, reinforcing defense ties between the nations.
Ethiopia and Somalia have reached an agreement regarding the operational deployment of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) within the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This decision stemmed from discussions held on February 22, following a bilateral meeting between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud earlier that month. The Ethiopian delegation, led by Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, engaged in dialogues centered on enhancing regional security and fortifying peace in the Horn of Africa.
The delegation, which included Redwan Hussein, head of the National Intelligence and Security Service, was welcomed by Somali officials, including Maj. Gen. Odawa Yusuf Rage and Abdullahi Mohamed Ali. They expressed appreciation for the strong bilateral cooperation that has evolved between Ethiopia and Somalia. The recent agreement follows prior diplomatic strains after Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland that Somalia considered a violation of its territorial rights.
Somalia responded to Ethiopia’s previous actions by asserting that Ethiopia would not participate in AU-led forces replacing the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and subsequently enhanced its military ties with Egypt. Nevertheless, tensions subsided after a declaration mediated in Ankara by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, which involved both leaders.
In a high-level visit in January 2025 led by Ethiopian Defense Minister Aisha Mohammed, both nations reiterated their commitment to collaborative efforts in ensuring AUSSOM’s success. The communiqué from these talks acknowledged the positive commencement of AUSSOM and the need to build upon the accomplishments of ATMIS while emphasizing the rotational role of the ENDF in peacekeeping operations.
Both Ethiopia and Somalia affirmed that all engagement from the Ethiopian side would occur through the Federal Government of Somalia, underscoring mutual respect for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Furthermore, the communiqué outlined plans to develop a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) regarding Ethiopian forces in Somalia, which is integral to the defense cooperation memorandum signed in December 2023.
The agreement reached between Ethiopia and Somalia regarding the deployment of the ENDF within AUSSOM marks a significant step towards enhancing regional security and cooperation. This collaborative effort is built upon the foundation of prior discussions aimed at maintaining peace in the Horn of Africa, highlighting mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. The commitment to a Status of Forces Agreement further solidifies their defense cooperation.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
