Somalia and African Union Finalize Troop Contributions for New Mission

Somalia and the African Union have finalized troop contributions for the AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), anticipated to consist of 11,900 personnel. Troops will be sourced from Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, and Egypt, while discussions regarding Burundian troop contributions are ongoing. Recent diplomatic negotiations have eased tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, securing Ethiopian troop involvement in the mission.

The Federal Government of Somalia and the African Union (AU) have reached a consensus on troop contributions for a new AU mission, following prolonged discussions regarding troop allocations from Ethiopia and Burundi. An anonymous AU official informed VOA that Burundian forces, deployed in Somalia since 2007, are slated to depart the country due to disagreements over troop numbers from Burundi.

The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is projected to comprise 11,900 personnel, including soldiers, police, and civilian support. The official breakdown allocates troops as follows: Uganda will contribute 4,500 soldiers, Ethiopia 2,500, Djibouti 1,520, Kenya 1,410, and Egypt 1,091. Ongoing negotiations regarding Burundian troop contributions are still underway, as noted by a second anonymous AU diplomat.

The changing dynamics involving Burundi are crucial, as this departure could lead to significant political and financial effects for the AU. Additionally, unresolved funding issues regarding AUSSOM necessitate attention, emphasizing Burundi’s substantial sacrifices and the need to address their concerns adequately. There will be supplementary police personnel stationed in Mogadishu, Jowhar, and Baidoa from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Egypt.

The agreement on troop contributions faced delays stemming from diplomatic tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia over Ethiopia’s contentious sea access agreement with Somaliland, deemed a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty. The tensions have recently subsided following a diplomatic breakthrough facilitated by Turkey in Ankara, where both parties committed to resolving their disputes.

Subsequently, Somalia and Ethiopia formalized an agreement securing the involvement of Ethiopian troops in the new AU mission. This agreement materialized after an Ethiopian delegation’s visit to Mogadishu, led by military chief Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, where discussions focused on counterterrorism strategies and regional stability.

Somalia’s National News Agency (SONNA) confirmed these talks emphasizing the Ethiopian National Defense Force’s (ENDF) role in the AUSSOM. Ethiopian forces will return to previously occupied regions in Somalia, namely Gedo, Bay, Bakool, and Hiran, while Egypt will contribute the only new troops to the mission, marking a shift in support for Somalia against Ethiopian disputes.

Additionally, Ethiopia maintains troops outside the AU mission based on a bilateral agreement. The latest agreement extends this cooperation, with plans to develop a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) for all bilateral troops operating in Somalia. Notably, the initial AU deployment came in 2007 to combat the increasing threat from al-Shabab, which continues to challenge the international community-backed government.

In parallel, security forces in Puntland are intensifying efforts against Islamic State militants, successfully capturing several towns and expressing optimism in targeting the group’s main base shortly. The progress against these militant groups underscores ongoing instability within the region.

In summary, the agreement between Somalia and the African Union regarding troop contributions signifies a pivotal step in stabilizing the security situation in Somalia, post-conflict. The negotiations not only outline specific troop allocations but also address potential political and economic ramifications. Ongoing discussions about Burundian troop withdrawals demonstrate the complexities involved in international military cooperation, further emphasizing the need for continued support and funding for the AUSSOM mission. Moreover, the resumption of Ethiopian troop contributions following diplomatic reconciliations highlights the dynamic political landscape affecting regional security operations. The evolving cooperation between Somalia, Ethiopia, and other nations is essential for addressing the persistent threats posed by militant groups like al-Shabab and ISIS. The continuous efforts to stabilize Somalia call for vigilant engagement from the international community.

Original Source: www.voanews.com