Somali government clarifies AUSSOM troop selection not part of Ankara talks

Somali government clarifies AUSSOM troop selection not part of Ankara talks

Source: hIIRAAN ONLINE, Saturday December 14, 2024

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali government confirmed Thursday that the AUSSOM troop deployment plan was not part of the Ankara talks that resolved a year-long diplomatic dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia. 

Speaking during a Twitter space session, Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, emphasized that the federal government retains full authority over selecting countries contributing to the African Union Somalia Mission (AUSSOM), which will replace the ATMIS mission in January 2024. 

“The Ankara Declaration reaffirmed Somalia’s independence, unity, and territorial integrity,” said Fiqi. “While regional cooperation is vital, Somalia alone will decide the composition of AUSSOM troops.” 

Ethiopia has expressed interest in remaining part of Somalia’s peacekeeping operations and joining the upcoming AUSSOM mission. However, Somalia previously announced Ethiopia’s exclusion, mandating the withdrawal of its forces. 

The clarification follows the Turkish-brokered agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia, signed on December 11, 2024, after extensive negotiations in Ankara. The deal aimed to resolve tensions, including Ethiopia’s controversial 2024 memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Somaliland. The MOU proposed leasing coastal land for a naval base in exchange for recognizing Somaliland’s independence, a move Somalia condemned as an attack on its sovereignty. 

The agreement guarantees Ethiopia’s access to the sea while respecting Somalia’s territorial integrity, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations. 

Fiqi reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding Somalia’s sovereignty and maintaining control over critical decisions, including peacekeeping partnerships.