MOGADISHU, Somalia (HornPost) Somalia and Ethiopia have agreed on the role of Ethiopian forces in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The agreement followed talks between senior military and security officials in Mogadishu on February 22, 2025.
The Ethiopian delegation was led by Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF). It also included Redwan Hussein, head of Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service, and other senior officials.
Somali officials welcomed the delegation. They included Somali National Army Commander Maj. Gen. Odowaa Yusuf Rage and National Intelligence and Security Agency Director Ambassador Abdullahi Mohamed Ali.
Ethiopia’s Role in AUSSOM
During the meeting, both sides discussed security developments in Somalia and the wider region. They also reviewed efforts to strengthen cooperation against terrorism.
In addition, the commanders welcomed AUSSOM and its role in supporting Somalia’s security. The mission replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) on January 1, 2025.
The two sides also agreed on the deployment arrangements for Ethiopian National Defence Force troops within AUSSOM. This agreement addressed the role of Ethiopian forces in the new African Union mission.
The commanders also recognised the contribution of African Union troops, Somali security forces and police personnel. These forces have supported Somalia’s security efforts since 2007. They have also faced significant losses during operations against al-Shabaab.
Somalia and Ethiopia Pledge to Fight Al-Shabaab
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to work together against al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups.
They agreed that continued security cooperation remains important for stability in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa. Furthermore, they recognized the need to strengthen the capacity of Somali security institutions.
The commanders also called on international partners to support the development of the Somali National Army. This support would help Somalia take full responsibility for its security after AUSSOM completes its mandate.
Somalia to Remain the Official Channel for Engagement
The communiqué reaffirmed the Federal Government of Somalia’s role as the sole channel for official engagement between the two governments.
It also stressed the importance of respecting Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity.
This position formed part of the broader security understanding reached during the Mogadishu meeting. It also reflected the need for official relations to follow established government channels.
Somalia and Ethiopia Plan a New Military Agreement
The two sides agreed to develop a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). The proposed agreement will cover the status of forces operating in Somalia under bilateral arrangements.
The commanders described the planned SOFA as an integral part of the Defence Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two countries in December 2023.
However, the communiqué did not announce that the SOFA had already been signed. Instead, both sides agreed to work towards developing the document.
Background to the Mogadishu Talks
The meeting followed discussions between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa from February 14 to 16, 2025.
During those talks, the two leaders agreed to hold technical discussions in Mogadishu. The February 22 meeting between military and security officials followed that commitment.
At the end of the meeting, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula and Maj. Gen. Odowaa Yusuf Rage signed the communiqué in Mogadishu.
The agreement marked a step towards renewed security cooperation between Somalia and Ethiopia. It also addressed Ethiopia’s participation in the African Union mission at a time when Somalia was preparing to take greater responsibility for its national security.
HornPost Staff Reporter
info@hornpost.com
