Somalia is set to transition from the African Union Transition Mission (ATMIS) to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission (AUSSOM) in 2025.
While ATMIS has been withdrawing troops, recent deadly attacks by al Shabaab have prompted Somalia to seek a new peacekeeping program.
Ethiopia has asserted its right to continue counter-terrorism operations against al Shabaab in Somalia, despite African Union (AU)-led peacekeeping mission presence.
This statement comes amidst speculation that Somalia may replace Ethiopian troops with Egyptian personnel as the country prepares for the third iteration of the AU mission, AUSSOM, set to begin in 2025.
While the AU and UN security councils are expected to announce troop-contributing countries for AUSSOM next month, recent tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia have cast doubt on Ethiopia's involvement in the upcoming mission.
“There is no power that can stop Ethiopia from taking necessary action without asking permission from anyone. Ethiopia and its regional governments will continue working on this, in coordination with all neighbouring countries. There is no way Ethiopia will allow any force that opposes its interest to emerge in Somalia. Ethiopia will continue taking calculated actions to maintain its national interest,” said Nebiyu, Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson.
The spokesperson reported that al Shabaab is using sophisticated technology, including drones, in increasingly unpredictable attacks.
He also highlighted the group's reliance on extortion, illegal taxation, and charcoal trading for funding.
