The Somali government has issued a statement, reaffirming its opposition to Ethiopian forces participating in the upcoming African Union (AU) peacekeeping mission that will replace the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
A new AU mission is expected to handle all security-related tasks in Somalia from January 1, 2025.
The AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) will replace ATMIS, whose mandate officially ends on December 31, 2024, from next year.
The Somali government expressed concerns, citing that Ethiopia’s previous intervention in Somalia contributed to the rise of the militant group Al-Shabaab.
This stance underscores Somalia’s apprehension about Ethiopia’s involvement in the new mission, given the historical context of Ethiopian military actions in the country.