In a significant move, Somalia has threatened to expel thousands of Ethiopian troops stationed in the country to assist with security, by the end of the year unless Ethiopia cancels a controversial port deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland. Currently, around 3,000 Ethiopian soldiers are posted in Somalia as part of the African Union peacekeeping mission (ATMIS) in Somalia, aimed at combating the militant group al-Shabaab. Additionally, an estimated 5,000-7,000 Ethiopian troops are stationed in various regions of Somalia under a bilateral agreement between the two countries. Ethiopia offered Somaliland possible recognition in exchange for being allowed to set up a naval base and commercial port – a move Mogadishu has called illegal. Somalia has urged for a new, smaller peacekeeping mission to be announced by the end of June, with the exclusion of Ethiopian troops.

Source: Ethiopian News June 03, 2024 17:18 UTC