Somalia has the authority to decide on Ethiopian troop participation in the African union support and stabilization mission in Somalia (AUSSOM),set to launch in january 2025,according to UK Ambassador michael nithayrianakis.
In a recent interview,ambassador nithavrianakis highlighted ongoing diplomatic efforts led by Kenya and turkey to resolve the current diplomatic tension between Somalia and Ethiopia.
“Ethiopia,as a neighbouring countru has performed an important role in the ATMIS mission and we want to see them continue if it is possible,but that is a decision for the federal government of Somalia and the position of the UK is trying to find a solution,”he noted.
The ambassador also underscored the significance of transitioning troop contributing countries (TCCs) into future troop partnerships (TPNs) to maintain stability in somalia.
“We need to try reduce the tension and support diplomatic efforts underway to find a solution,”he noted.
Somalia has requested that Ethiopian forces be excluded from AUSSOM unless Ethiopia retracts its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland.
Approximately 13,000 troops from Ethiopia and four other nations are expected to withdraw from Somalia by the end of this year,with a restricted mission anticipated to assume duties in 2025.
Source: hiiraan online