BAIDOA, Somalia – The foundation stone for a new military base destined to host Ethiopian troops was laid today on the outskirts of Baidoa, signaling a strategic expansion of Ethiopian military presence in Somalia’s Bay and Bakool regions.
The ceremony, attended by South West Security Minister Hassan Abdulqadir and Ethiopian officials arriving by helicopter, underscores the deepening military cooperation amidst ongoing security operations in the South West.
This development comes at a time when Ethiopian forces, part of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), are reportedly expanding their operations into smaller villages, previously untouched by their military activities. This move indicates a broader tactical deployment, aimed at enhancing security and counter-insurgency efforts in areas prone to Al-Shabaab influence.
The expansion, however, coincides with heightened tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, particularly following Ethiopia’s controversial maritime deal with Somaliland. Despite these frictions, Ethiopia’s military footprint in Somalia appears to be solidifying, with no immediate plans for withdrawal from the ATMIS mission, contrary to Somalia’s expectations for a reduction of foreign military presence.
In response to Ethiopia’s military posture, Somalia has reportedly signed a security agreement with Egypt, marking a strategic pivot. This agreement involves the deployment of thousands of Egyptian soldiers to Somalia, positioning them to potentially take over roles currently filled by ATMIS forces, including those from Ethiopia, as the mission transitions.
The construction of the new base near Baidoa and the broader military maneuvers by Ethiopian troops reflect a complex regional dynamic, where security imperatives intersect with geopolitical tensions. The move by Somalia to engage Egypt militarily suggests an attempt to recalibrate its security architecture, seeking balance against the backdrop of Ethiopian military expansion and the impending ATMIS drawdown.
