Somalia and the AU have agreed on troop levels for the new AUSSOM mission, following disputes regarding troop contributions from Ethiopia and Burundi. The mission will comprise 11,900 personnel from several nations, including Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, and Egypt. Ongoing negotiations continue regarding Burundian troops and mission funding amid significant political considerations. The agreement follows eased tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia.
The federal government of Somalia and the African Union (AU) have reached an agreement on troop contributions for a new AU mission, resolving previous disputes between Ethiopia and Somalia, and later with Burundi. An AU official reported that Burundian forces, present in Somalia since 2007, will withdraw due to disagreements on troop numbers from Burundi.
The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is set to deploy approximately 11,900 personnel, including soldiers, police, and civilian staff. The troop allocation includes 4,500 soldiers from Uganda, 2,500 from Ethiopia, 1,520 from Djibouti, 1,410 from Kenya, and 1,091 from Egypt.
Negotiations concerning Burundi’s involvement are still ongoing, with concerns raised about the repercussions of their departure on AU politics and finances. Burundi’s historical contributions to the mission have placed emphasis on resolving their concerns, especially regarding available funding for AUSSOM.
Tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia delayed the finalization of troop contributions due to Ethiopia’s controversial sea access deal with Somaliland, which Somalia views as a sovereignty violation. After the diplomatic negotiations facilitated by Turkey, an agreement was reached, allowing Ethiopian participation in the mission.
Somali and Ethiopian military leaders met to discuss the roles of Ethiopian troops in AUSSOM. The Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) will operate in regions where they have previously been stationed, with an agreement also established for bilateral forces operating in Somalia.
Since the initial deployment of AU troops in 2007, following the rise of al-Shabab, the mission continues to face challenges. Al-Shabab’s recent attacks in central Somalia highlight ongoing threats to the Somalia government, while Puntland security forces are combating Islamic State militants.
The agreement between Somalia and the African Union marks a pivotal development in the deployment of troops for AUSSOM, ensuring enhanced military support amid persistent threats from militant groups. While the troop contributions have been established, ongoing negotiations regarding Burundi’s withdrawal and funding for the mission underline the complexities involved. The resolution of these issues is critical for maintaining stability in the region and effectively addressing security challenges.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
