Ethiopia has mobilized Troops Contributing Countries (TCCs) to demand participation in the formation of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) against Somalia’s unilateral decisions. Ethiopia’s Defense Minister expressed the country’s commitment to stabilizing Somalia while stressing the need for TCC involvement in AUSSOM’s design. Funding challenges and regional tensions, particularly with Egypt and concerns about territorial integrity, add complexity to the mission’s establishment.
Ethiopia has rallied support from Troops Contributing Countries (TCCs) in opposition to Somalia’s unilateral approach in structuring the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and has asserted its need for inclusion throughout this process. Leading the TCCs, Ethiopia emphasizes the importance of its participation, citing the significance of their past contributions to Somalia. During a recent discussion among Defense Ministers from the TCCs, Ethiopia’s Defense Minister Aisha Mohammed reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to aid Somalia in stabilizing its governance. A joint communiqué acknowledged the sacrifices made by these countries in the fight against terrorism and their role in the development of Somalia’s governmental institutions over the past seventeen years. However, the ministers stressed that for AUSSOM to be effective, the African Union must address existing budget shortfalls that hinder operations against Al-Shabaab, particularly in regions still under militant control. The ministers also underscored the necessity of incorporating lessons learned from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) into AUSSOM’s establishment, highlighting the critical need for consultation with TCCs throughout the mission’s design process. In contrast, Somalia has expressed opposition to Ethiopia’s involvement, citing concerns regarding its territorial integrity and sovereignty, particularly following an agreement concerning access to the Red Sea with the self-declared Somaliland region. Recent tensions have been exacerbated by Egypt’s military support to Somalia, raising alarms within Ethiopia regarding potential risks associated with the transition from ATMIS, which it deemed “fraught with dangers” for the region. Additionally, a trilateral summit involving Somalia, Egypt, and Eritrea has been convened to bolster Somalia’s capability to secure its borders.
The formation of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) has been a topic of significant debate, especially concerning the involvement of neighboring countries like Ethiopia. Ethiopia’s historical role as a TCC, alongside its efforts in stabilizing Somalia, positions it as a critical stakeholder in these discussions. However, tensions have escalated due to perceived violations of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly with Ethiopia’s relations with Somaliland and military dynamics involving Egypt. The upcoming establishment of AUSSOM is seen as vital for countering the ongoing threat posed by Al-Shabaab militants, necessitating thoughtful integration of previous mission experiences and resources.
Ethiopia’s insistence on being consulted during the formation of AUSSOM underscores the complexities of regional security dynamics and the need for collaborative efforts in stabilizing Somalia. Recognizing the contributions of TCCs while addressing funding challenges is essential for the mission’s success. The backdrop of geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning Somalia’s sovereignty and the involvement of other regional players, adds further urgency to these discussions as stakeholders work towards a stable future for Somalia.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
