Ethiopian non-AMISOM troops under more pressure to withdraw from Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The presence of Ethiopian non-AMISOM troops within several towns in Somalia compromises the reputation of African Union Mission in Somalia, former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has insisted, arguing that it's time for the troops to be "removed" for the sake of stability.

His Tuesday's statement comes barely a fortnight after a group of four parties including Sharif's Forum for National Parties [FNP] blamed the Ethiopian forces of "interference" with the Horn of Africa's internal political affairs, terming them "occupiers".

In an interview with reporters, the former president accused the non-AMISOM contingent of "committing crimes" in Somalia, adding their presence was against the mandate of the African Union Mission in Somalia.

The troops, he added, were an immediate existential threat to efforts to unite Somalia, a country which has battled against inter-clan conflicts and violent extremism for many years, and also remains polarised despite efforts to restore normalcy.

"They have been committing crimes of high magnitude within Somalia and it's time they leave. We all know that they are acting illegally within the country, pausing threat to our stability and integration," said the FNP leader during a press conference.

"If they continue being around, they are likely to compromise the trust and reputation of AMISOM. It's time UNSC and African Union order for an immediate withdrawal of these troops from Somalia," he added.

Despite persistent pressure to have the ENDF troops that are not enlisted with AMISOM withdrawn, both the Federal Government of Somalia and Ethiopian administration have remained tight-lipped, further fueling speculation about the presence of the troops.

There are close to 4,500 enlisted ENDF troops in Somalia serving within Sectors III and VI of AMISOM and an additional of close to 1,500 who are not part of the mission. The entire AMISOM force works under the command of Lt. Gen Tigabu Yilma, an Ethiopian national.

Details indicate that a number of non-AMISOM contingent crossed over to Somalia earlier this year in Doolow district within Gedo. While some established camps within the region, others joined their counterparts in the Southwest state in Baidoa.

The troops were recently accused by Jubaland administration of working with FGS to "forcefully" take over Gedo. Their presence, Jubaland said, had significantly contributed to "instability" within the region since a number of officials loyal to Ahmed Madobe have since been dethroned or arrested.

But last week, an Ethiopian aircraft was allowed to land at Kismayo airport for the first time in as many months. The strained relationship was evident after Jubaland forces were sighted rigorously screening the aircraft before it was allowed to drop tents and other repairs materials to ENDF.

In 2018, the non-AMISOM contingent from Ethiopia was accused of arresting former Al-Shabaab deputy leader Mukhtaar Robow, who had expressed interest in the Southwest presidency. The clash leftover 11 civilians dead in Baidoa.

Last week, reports indicate that Al-Shabaab militants ambushed the Ethiopian troops near Bardale while at least five soldiers are said to have died. Another attempted raid in military camp within the region was also thwarted.

Interestingly, the non-AMISOM troops took responsibility for downing a Kenyan aircraft in Bardale last month, a move that has ignited fireworks between Addis Ababa and Nairobi. The AMISOM team condemned the incident which left six people dead.

At Buula Amiin region early this week, the Ethiopian troops were accused of opening fire indiscriminately while on patrol, leaving one civilian badly injured. The victim was identified as Mohamed Abdi Abdullahi and he's currently being treated.

Some of the provinces where the Ethiopian military occupy includes Bay, Bakol, Gedo, Hiran, and Galgadud in Somalia. In 2011, the team was accused of killing several civilians in Mogadishu while flushing out Al-Shabaab militants.

It's not clear if the African Union is keen to have the troops withdrawn before 2021. Some reports indicate that the Ethiopian troops are planning a last assault against Al-Shabaab before their official exit in 2021.

GAROWE ONLINE