Monday June 24, 2024
Abukar Dahir Osman, Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Somalia to the UN, addresses the Security Council meeting on the situation in Somalia. UN Photo/Evan Schneider
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia's ambassador to the United Nations, Abukar Dahir Osman, announced that Ethiopia's recent incursions forced Somalia to postpone the next withdrawal of African Union peacekeeping troops (ATMIS) from July to September.
On Monday, Osman accused Ethiopian troops of making illegal incursions across the shared border, leading to confrontations with local security forces. The Ethiopian contingent crossed into Somalia's Hiraan region on Saturday to monitor threats from the Islamist militia al-Shabaab and withdrew on Sunday, according to local elders. Ethiopia's army and foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
At least 3,000 Ethiopian soldiers are stationed in Somalia as part of ATMIS, with an additional 5,000-7,000 Ethiopian soldiers present under a bilateral agreement. Despite the tensions, ATMIS remains committed to withdrawing by December 31 to be replaced by a smaller force. As the drawdown continues, the Somali government has expressed confidence in maintaining security against al-Shabaab, planning for a new force of no more than 10,000 troops focused on securing major population centers.
Ethiopia, on the other hand, denied receiving any official notice from Somalia regarding the peacekeeping troop withdrawal, indicating a potential communication gap or diplomatic friction between the two nations.
Relations between Somalia and Ethiopia have soured following Ethiopia's agreement to lease 20 km (12 miles) of coastline from Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia. Ethiopia's offer of possible recognition to Somaliland in exchange for establishing a naval base and commercial port there has been deemed illegal by Mogadishu. This development prompted Somalia to demand the withdrawal of all Ethiopian troops by December, with officials threatening to expel the soldiers if the Somaliland port deal is not scrapped.
The tension comes amid Somalia's broader efforts to stabilize the region and transition security responsibilities. Recently, Somalia confirmed the arrival of new troops from Djibouti, Kenya, Uganda, and Burundi to support the post-ATMIS mission, highlighting ongoing international cooperation to maintain peace and security in the region.
However, not all regions within Somalia support the federal government's plans. The Southwest State of Somalia has opposed the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops, citing concerns about security and stability if the Ethiopian presence is reduced too rapidly.
In Monday's UNSC meeting, Osman also highlighted Somalia's efforts toward inclusive dialogue and consensus on national priorities, including preparations for one-person-one-vote elections and consultation review processes. He also mentioned that a joint technical team from the Somali government and the UN has started planning the transition of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) to the Country Team.