Ethiopia to Keep Troops in Somalia for AU Mission Despite Sea Access DisputeADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Ethiopia has expressed its intent to keep its military forces in its neighboring Somalia as part of the upcoming new African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). However, this commitment faces a significant hurdle as Somalia insists on the removal of Ethiopian troops unless Ethiopia nullifies its contentious agreement with Somaliland for sea access in exchange for recognition. The deal, which aims to give Ethiopia a route to the Red Sea in return for acknowledging Somaliland's sovereignty, has sparked controversy, with Somalia asserting that it infringes on its territorial rights. Somalia's position has garnered backing from international bodies like the United Nations and the African Union, which advocate for Somalia's territorial integrity. With the pending decision, the future of Ethiopian military engagement in Somalia under AUSSOM hangs in the balance, potentially affecting regional security and diplomatic ties across East Africa.

Source: Ethiopian News October 19, 2024 15:15 UTC