ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — In a resolute declaration, Ethiopia has affirmed its commitment to combat al-Shabaab, stating that its efforts to “weaken the group will continue in any way possible” to safeguard national security, according to Ambassador Nebiat Getachew during a weekly briefing on November 14, 2024.
The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ spokesperson underscored the ongoing threat posed by the militant group, saying, “Al-Shabaab remains a concern for our national security, and efforts to counter it will continue in all circumstances to prevent it from becoming a threat or allowing any footholds to resurface.”
This statement comes in the wake of Somalia’s announcement that Ethiopia would be excluded from the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), set to begin in January 2025. Somalia’s Defense Minister, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, cited Ethiopia’s recent maritime agreement with Somaliland as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty.
The AU’s peacekeeping mission, initially launched as AMISOM in 2007 to assist Somalia against al-Shabaab, transitioned into ATMIS before its scheduled conclusion in December. The new mission, AUSSOM, is designed to support Somalia until 2028 with a force of around 12,000 troops.
The tension between Ethiopia and Somalia has escalated following an agreement on January 1, 2024, between Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland, where Ethiopia seeks sea access in return for potentially recognizing Somaliland’s independence. This has led to Somalia’s firm stance against Ethiopian inclusion in the forthcoming AU mission, highlighting the complex interplay of regional politics, security, and sovereignty.
Ethiopia’s Foreign Ministry insists on a strategy that not only focuses on security but also on fostering long-term regional integration, viewing its relationship with Somalia as “inseparable” despite the current diplomatic frictions.
