Ethiopia and Somalia Enhance Military Collaboration Against Terrorism
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Synopsis
Ethiopia and Somalia are set to establish a "Status of Force Agreement" aimed at enhancing military cooperation in Somalia. This decision follows a series of high-level discussions between leaders from both nations, focusing on joint efforts to combat terrorism and maintain security in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Ethiopia and Somalia plan to create a Status of Force Agreement.
- High-level talks were held between the nations' leaders.
- The agreement aims to combat Al-Shabaab.
- AUSSOM has replaced ATMIS in Somalia.
- Military cooperation is crucial for regional stability.
Addis Ababa, Feb 24 (NationPress) Ethiopia and Somalia have decided to establish a "Status of Force Agreement" for their joint military forces that will be deployed in Somalia, as stated in a joint communique reported by the state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate.
This agreement emerged from discussions between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Addis Ababa from February 14-16, followed by a meeting between the military leaders of the two neighboring nations in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, on Saturday.
Ethiopia played a significant role as a troop contributor to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which was active from 2022 to 2024. This mission has since been succeeded by the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which commenced in January 2025, according to the Xinhua news agency.
A delegation headed by Birhanu Jula, the chief of staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), conducted a one-day working visit to Somalia on Saturday. The Ethiopian delegation engaged in talks with Somali officials, including Odowaa Yusuf Rageh, the Somali chief of defense force, focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation against Al-Shabaab and ensuring peace, security, and stability in the Horn of Africa.
The joint communique noted that the military leaders welcomed the initiation of the AUSSOM and emphasized the necessity of building on the successes achieved by the previous ATMIS.
The military chiefs also highlighted the critical role of the Ethiopian National Defense Force in African Union peacekeeping missions and reached an agreement concerning the deployment of the ENDF within the AUSSOM.
They further stressed the urgent need to support ongoing efforts against Al-Shabaab and reaffirmed their commitment to collaboratively combat terrorism.
