Ethiopia and Somalia agreed to deploy the Ethiopian National Defense Force within the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This decision follows discussions on regional security and aims to strengthen cooperation after previous tensions regarding territory. Both nations emphasized respect for sovereignty and committed to developing a Status of Force Agreement for Ethiopian forces in Somalia.
Ethiopia and Somalia have reached an agreement on the deployment of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) within the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), as stated in a joint communiqué after a visit by an Ethiopian delegation led by Field Marshal Birhanu Jula on February 22. This delegation visit followed a bilateral meeting between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud earlier that month in Addis Ababa.
During their discussions in Mogadishu, the delegates emphasized the significance of regional security and the necessity of maintaining peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. The Ethiopian delegation included key figures such as Redwan Hussein, the head of Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service. Somali officials, including Maj. Gen. Odawa Yusuf Rage and Abdullahi Mohamed Ali, expressed their support for the delegation and highlighted the strong cooperation between the two nations.
This agreement comes after a period of diplomatic tensions following Ethiopia’s memorandum of understanding with Somaliland in early 2024, which was perceived by Somalia as a violation of its territorial sovereignty. Consequently, Somalia took a stance that Ethiopia would not participate in the AU-led forces taking over from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), alongside strengthening military ties with Egypt for arms and troop support.
Tensions have notably decreased after the Ankara Declaration, facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. In January 2025, during a visit by Ethiopian Defense Minister Aisha Mohammed, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation and ensuring AUSSOM’s success, as asserted by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The joint communiqué also mentioned that both parties welcomed the commencement of AUSSOM, emphasizing the need to build upon the achievements of ATMIS. Importantly, both sides agreed that the Federal Government of Somalia shall remain the sole point of entry for Ethiopia’s engagements, reaffirming Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity.
Furthermore, the communiqué emphasized the development of a Status of Force Agreement (SOFA) for Ethiopian forces deployed in Somalia, stating that it is an integral component of the December 2023 Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation.
The agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia regarding ENDF deployment within AUSSOM marks a significant step toward enhanced security cooperation in the Horn of Africa, particularly after a period of diplomatic strain. Both nations are committed to respecting Somalia’s sovereignty while fostering peace and stability in the region. The establishment of a Status of Force Agreement further underscores this commitment to cooperative engagement.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
