Ethiopia’s army chief, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, visited Somalia to discuss strengthening ties and Ethiopia’s role in the AU mission. The meetings highlighted Ethiopia’s support for Somalia’s anti-terrorism efforts and stability goals while emphasizing their shared commitment to regional security. Somali security officials noted the importance of international peacekeeping, particularly through ATMIS.
Ethiopia’s army chief, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, visited Somalia on Sunday with a high-level delegation to discuss enhancing bilateral relations and Ethiopia’s involvement in the African Union mission. This visit followed a meeting between the leaders of both nations in Addis Ababa, aiming to foster cooperation and stability in the region.
The delegation, including Redwan Hussien, Director General of Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service, met with Somalia’s military chief, General Odawa Yusuf Rage, and the director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Abdullahi Mohammed Ali. The discussions emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s fight against terrorism and efforts toward achieving lasting peace.
Ethiopia’s significant contribution to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) since its inception in 2007 has transitioned into the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), maintaining Ethiopian troops as a crucial element. Both Ethiopian and Somali officials expressed optimism toward deepening their ties, recognizing Ethiopia’s role in promoting regional stability.
The visit served as a follow-up to discussions between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohammed, highlighting an initiative for renewed collaboration. Hailing Ethiopia’s foreign policy, the leaders noted the recent Ankara Agreement as a framework to promote peace and development in the region.
Somali security officials reiterated the essential role of international peacekeeping, particularly ATMIS, in establishing groundwork for Somalia’s future stability. Both countries reaffirmed their joint commitment to countering extremism to enhance security throughout the Horn of Africa.
Notably, last year saw Somalia’s decision to exclude Ethiopian troops from the upcoming African Union peacekeeping mission, AUSSOM, following the Red Sea Memorandum of Understanding between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland, a self-declared autonomous region in the northern part of the country.
Ethiopia’s army chief’s visit to Somalia marks a significant effort to reinforce bilateral relations and demonstrate commitment to shared security goals. The discussions highlighted the importance of Ethiopia’s ongoing support for Somalia in combating terrorism and ensuring regional stability, while also acknowledging the complexities of past agreements and future cooperation between the two nations.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
