The Somali government has confirmed that Somalia and Ethiopia have reached an agreement to develop a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) for all bilateral forces operating in Somalia.
This agreement is a significant step in strengthening defense cooperation between the two nations.
The SOFA will be an integral part of the Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation that was signed in December 2023.
The development follows a visit to Mogadishu by Ethiopian Army Chief Field Marshal General Birhanu Jula and Intelligence Chief Redwan Hussein on Saturday.
Their visit underscores the importance of the bilateral relationship and the commitment to enhancing security and military collaboration between Somalia and Ethiopia.
The SOFA is expected to outline the legal framework governing the presence and operations of Ethiopian forces in Somalia, ensuring clarity on roles, responsibilities, and jurisdictional matters.
This agreement is likely to contribute to regional stability and counterterrorism efforts, particularly in the fight against groups like Al-Shabaab.
The signing of the SOFA will mark a new phase in the defense partnership between the two countries, reflecting their shared interests in maintaining peace and security in the Horn of Africa.