Somalia and the AU have finalized troop contributions for the AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), amid previous disagreements involving Ethiopia and Burundi. The mission totals around 11,900 personnel with varied contributions from Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, and Egypt. Ongoing negotiations regarding Burundian troops highlight the mission’s complexity and regional diplomacy’s importance in addressing security challenges.
The federal government of Somalia and the African Union (AU) have reached an agreement regarding the composition of troops for a new AU mission following initial disagreements among troop-contributing nations. Disputes particularly occurred between Ethiopia and Somalia, and later involving Burundi’s troop contributions. An AU official, wishing to remain unnamed, confirmed to VOA that Burundian forces, present in Somalia since 2007, will depart due to this disagreement.
The newly established African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is anticipated to consist of approximately 11,900 personnel, including military, police, and civilian roles. The troop distribution allocates 4,500 to Uganda, 2,500 to Ethiopia, 1,520 to Djibouti, 1,410 to Kenya, and 1,091 to Egypt. Ongoing negotiations regarding Burundian soldiers in the mission remain unresolved, bringing significant political and financial consequences for the AU, according to a second AU diplomat.
Various police personnel from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Egypt will also be stationed in major Somali cities, including Mogadishu, Jowhar, and Baidoa. The initial delays in finalizing contributing countries stemmed from diplomatic tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia related to Ethiopia’s contentious sea access deal with Somaliland, which Somalia views as a breach of its sovereignty. A breakthrough agreement reached in December eased these tensions, allowing for Ethiopian troop participation in the new AU mission.
The agreement solidified following a visit by an Ethiopian military delegation, where discussions focused on collaborative efforts in counterterrorism and regional stability. The Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) will return to previously stationed regions in Somalia. Additionally, a Status of Force Agreement to cover bilateral forces operating in Somalia was agreed upon during talks.
Ethiopian troops and Uganda’s AU contingent arrived in Somalia initially in 2007 to combat the rising threat of al-Shabab, a group persistently challenging the government. Recently, al-Shabab’s attacks on several towns were repelled by government forces. Meanwhile, Puntland’s security operations against Islamic State militants continue with promising progress.
The agreement between Somalia and the African Union marks a significant step in enhancing regional security through the deployment of a diversified troop contingent. Ongoing discussions about Burundian forces reflect the complexity of international collaborations in resolving local conflicts. This new AU mission is crucial for stability in Somalia, especially in light of the persistent threats from extremist groups. The cooperative efforts of Somalia, Ethiopia, and other nations signal a commitment to counter-terrorism and regional peace efforts.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
