BAIDOA, Somalia – Southwest State President Abdiaziz Lafta-Garen recently held a significant meeting with senior Ethiopian military commanders in Baidoa City. The discussions centered around the security situation in the region and the ongoing efforts to combat Al-Shabaab.
The meeting comes in the wake of the Southwest State’s rejection of the Federal Government’s plans to withdraw Ethiopian forces from Somalia by December 2024. This disagreement highlights the complex security dynamics in the region, particularly during the transition period following the withdrawal of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troops.
Ethiopian troops have played a crucial role in maintaining security and combating Al-Shabaab in the Bay and Bakool regions of Southwest State. Their presence has been instrumental in protecting main towns and supply routes.
The Southwest State Ministry of Internal Security has publicly addressed and refuted claims made by Hussein Moalim, the National Security Advisor to the Somali President, regarding the role of Ethiopian troops in the post-ATMIS mission.
The Ministry emphasized the significant contributions made by the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) within the ATMIS framework and their ongoing commitment to peacekeeping efforts in Somalia.
The meeting between President Lafta-Garen and the Ethiopian military commanders underscores the Southwest State’s commitment to ensuring the continued presence of Ethiopian troops in the region.
It also highlights the importance of maintaining security and stability in the face of ongoing challenges posed by Al-Shabaab.
As the situation continues to evolve, the impact of this meeting and the broader security landscape in Somalia remains to be seen.
The Southwest State’s stance against the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops reflects the complex security dynamics currently at play in the region and the need for continued international support in the fight against Al-Shabaab.
