Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, has officially confirmed that Ethiopian forces will be excluded from the upcoming African Union (AU) operation set to commence in early 2025.
This decision marks a significant shift in the regional approach to security and stabilization in Somalia.
The exclusion of Ethiopian troops could impact the dynamics of the mission, given Ethiopia’s longstanding involvement in Somalia’s security matters.
The continental body has created a new mission expected to replace the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) from January 1, 2025.
The new mission, which will be known as the AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), has already garnered attention for its revised structure and reduced troop numbers.
So far, Addis Ababa has not issued a response regarding this development.