Ethiopia and Somalia Formalize ENDF Deployment Agreement within AUSSOM
Ethiopia and Somalia have agreed on the ENDF’s deployment within AUSSOM, following discussions on regional security and cooperation. This agreement comes after previous tensions over Ethiopia’s engagement with Somaliland. Joint efforts focus on ensuring peace and stability in the Horn of Africa and establishing protocols for future military collaboration, reaffirming respect for Somalia’s sovereignty.
Ethiopia and Somalia have reached an agreement concerning the deployment of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) as part of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This decision was announced via a joint communiqué after a visit by Ethiopian officials led by Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, following discussions between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
The agenda during the Ethiopian delegation’s visit to Mogadishu centered on enhancing “regional security” and the critical role of sustaining peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. Prominent figures in the delegation included Redwan Hussein, head of Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service, and various other officials. The Somali leadership, including Maj. Gen. Odawa Yusuf Rage and Abdullahi Mohamed Ali, highlighted the strong ties between the two nations during their welcome.
This collaboration comes after heightened diplomatic tensions due to Ethiopia’s signing of a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland in early 2024, which Somalia viewed as infringing on its territorial sovereignty. Somalia initially declared that Ethiopia would be excluded from participating in AU-led forces due to these tensions but has since worked to mend relationships following mediation efforts by Turkey.
The resolution of tensions was further solidified during a January 2025 meeting led by Ethiopian Defense Minister Aisha Mohammed, where both sides reiterated their intention to enhance cooperation and guarantee the success of AUSSOM. The communiqué commended the operational launch of AUSSOM and the importance of building upon the achievements of its predecessor, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia.
Key discussions included an understanding that the Federal Government of Somalia shall oversee Ethiopia’s engagements with Somalia, thereby reinforcing Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The delegation also agreed upon developing a Status of Force Agreement (SOFA) for Ethiopian forces, an essential component of the December 2023 Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation.
In conclusion, Ethiopia and Somalia’s agreement on the deployment of the ENDF underscores a renewed commitment to regional security and cooperation. Despite recent tensions over Somaliland, both nations are working towards stronger military collaboration under AUSSOM. This partnership aims not only to enhance stability in the Horn of Africa but also to establish frameworks for future engagements that respect Somalia’s sovereignty.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
