The AU and Somali government approved 2,500 Ethiopian troops for AUSSOM, with Egypt contributing 1,100 troops. Uganda leads with 4,500 troops, while operational challenges persist despite backing from the AU and UN. AUSSOM will run until 2028, marking Egypt’s first military involvement in Somalia amid ongoing Al-Shabaab threats.
The African Union (AU) and Somali government have approved the deployment of 2,500 Ethiopian troops as part of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Egypt will also contribute approximately 1,100 troops, according to a recent UN Security Council report. Overall, nearly 12,000 military personnel, excluding police, have been authorized to participate in AUSSOM, which began in January.
Uganda is set to provide the largest contingent with 4,500 troops, followed by Djibouti and Kenya, contributing 1,520 and 1,410 personnel, respectively. The composition of the troops involved in AUSSOM has been confirmed by the Somalia Operations Coordination Committee (SOCC), which oversees the mission’s operations.
AUSSOM has replaced the African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) but faces operational constraints due to funding challenges despite backing from both the AU and UN. As of August 2024, less than 13,000 of the 20,000 troops initially part of ATMIS remain active in Somalia. The mission is planned to continue until the end of 2028.
This deployment marks the first time Egyptian military personnel will serve in Somalia, as previous missions predominantly included troops from Ethiopia, Kenya, Burundi, Djibouti, and Uganda. Egypt’s involvement highlights strengthening relations with Somalia, coinciding with ongoing tensions with Ethiopia regarding maritime access to Somaliland.
In addition to AUSSOM troops, several hundred police personnel from Egypt, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone are scheduled for deployment in Mogadishu, Jowhar, and Baidoa. Joint military operations between AUSSOM and the Somali National Army have already commenced, as indicated by Somalia’s national security advisor.
These developments follow increased Al-Shabaab attacks, including an assault on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s convoy. Both Ethiopian and US air forces have conducted operations against Al-Shabaab, signifying heightened military engagement. Recent reports indicate that despite the Somali government’s efforts, Al-Shabaab continues to pose a significant threat, exacerbated by clan rivalries and political instability in the region.
A UN Security Council report emphasizes that internal divisions facilitate Al-Shabaab’s expansion, undermining the government’s defense.
The deployment of 2,500 Ethiopian troops signifies a concerted effort by the African Union and Somali government to stabilize the region amid rising threats from Al-Shabaab. Egypt’s involvement highlights shifting alliances and geopolitical dynamics, while operational challenges persist with funding and ongoing security issues. The situation underscores the necessity for cohesive military collaboration and a stable political environment to counteract extremist influences in Somalia.
Original Source: www.thereporterethiopia.com
