Ethiopia’s army chief, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, visited Somalia to discuss strengthening ties and Ethiopia’s involvement in the AU mission. Meetings with Somali military leaders focused on counterterrorism cooperation and regional stability, following discussions between both nations’ leaders. Somali officials praised Ethiopia’s role as a key contributor to AU peacekeeping efforts despite Somalia’s decision to bar Ethiopian troops from future missions.
On Sunday, Ethiopia’s army chief, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, embarked on an unannounced visit to Somalia, heading a significant delegation. Discussions emphasized enhancing bilateral relations and Ethiopia’s strategic role within the African Union mission, following a prior meeting between the two countries’ leaders in Addis Ababa.
Birhanu, accompanied by Redwan Hussien, the Director General of Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service, met with key figures in Somalia’s military, including General Odawa Yusuf Rage and NISA Director Abdullahi Mohammed Ali. Their discussions focused on Ethiopia’s continued support for Somalia’s anti-terrorism efforts and the pursuit of enduring peace in the region.
Ethiopia is a principal contributor to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), which transitioned to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), yet retains a strong Ethiopian military presence. The strengthening of ties was underscored by Somali officials acknowledging Ethiopia’s commitment to regional stability.
This visit was prompted by collaborative talks between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohammed, highlighting an emphatic shift toward cooperative relations. Ethiopia’s foreign policy, characterized by fostering peaceful neighboring relations, plays a pivotal role in this engagement.
The diplomatic framework established by the Ankara Agreement aims to promote peace and development throughout the region. Somali security officials reiterated that international peacekeeping efforts, including ATMIS, are essential for establishing future stability within the country.
Despite these discussions, Somalia has resolved to exclude Ethiopian troops from participating in the forthcoming African Union peacekeeping mission, known as AUSSOM, following the Red Sea Memorandum of Understanding involving PM Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland.
Ethiopia’s army chief’s visit to Somalia highlights the ongoing collaboration between the two nations, emphasizing Ethiopia’s commitment to supporting Somalia in combating terrorism and promoting regional stability. The establishment of the Ankara Agreement reinforces the focus on peace and development, although Somalia’s recent decision to bar Ethiopian troops from upcoming missions indicates a complex and evolving relationship.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
