Ethiopia and Somalia have agreed on the deployment of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) as part of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission (AUSSOM). This agreement follows discussions on regional security and aims to reinforce bilateral cooperation. Both nations are working to ensure the success of AUSSOM while respecting Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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). This decision followed discussions between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and was formalized in a joint communiqué after a visit by an Ethiopian military delegation led by Field Marshal Birhanu Jula in late February.
During their meeting in Mogadishu, the representatives highlighted the importance of addressing regional security concerns and maintaining stability in the Horn of Africa. The Ethiopian delegation included key figures such as Redwan Hussein from the National Intelligence and Security Service, fostering a commitment to reinforce the strong ties between the two nations.
Tensions arose between Ethiopia and Somalia earlier this year after Ethiopia signed a memorandum granting it access to a coastal area in Somaliland, which Somalia condemned. In retaliation, Somalia indicated that Ethiopia would not join the AU-led forces replacing the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), opting instead to strengthen its military relationship with Egypt.
However, diplomatic strains have improved following the Ankara Declaration, mediated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. In early 2025, during a subsequent visit led by Ethiopian Defense Minister Aisha Mohammed, both nations reaffirmed their dedication to cooperation under AUSSOM.
In the joint communiqué, both countries expressed satisfaction with the initiation of AUSSOM and recognized the need to build upon the successes of ATMIS. The communiqué emphasized the significant role of ENDF in peacekeeping operations under the African Union and confirmed its agreed deployment as part of that mission.
Moreover, the communiqué clarified that the Federal Government of Somalia would serve as the sole point of entry for Ethiopia’s endeavors within Somalia, ensuring respect for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Both countries will also create a Status of Force Agreement (SOFA) for Ethiopian military personnel operating in Somalia, marking an essential step in their defense cooperation framework established in late 2023.
Ethiopia and Somalia’s agreement on ENDF’s deployment within AUSSOM marks a significant cooperative step in enhancing regional security in the Horn of Africa. Key diplomatic meetings have facilitated this collaboration, which comes after a period of heightened tensions. Both nations are committed to respecting Somalia’s sovereignty while fostering stronger military ties, underscored by the intent to develop a Status of Force Agreement to govern Ethiopian operations in Somalia.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
