Somalia denies requesting Tanzania to mediate withdrawal of Ethiopian troops

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Federal Republic of Somalia dismissed claims that it intends to have mediation with Ethiopia following a hard stance on the post-ATMIS stay of Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) in the country, terming the letter making rounds on social media as 'lies'.

A letter purportedly from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed Mogadishu had reached out to Tanzania to mediate a standoff with Ethiopia, with recent remarks on the expulsion of the ENDF troops serving in the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) topping the agenda.

Hussein Sheikh Ali, the National Security Advisor, had earlier insisted Ethiopian troops were 'unwelcome' in Somalia, adding that 'they must leave once ATMIS mandate expires'. It is the alleged letter that sought to address the stance.

But in a Facebook post, Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs distanced itself from the letter, terming it 'lies and misinformation'. The ministry also asked the media to uphold public trust and accountability while disseminating news.

"Spreading lies and misinformation on social media is unacceptable. We reject these false narratives and call on the media to uphold truth and accountability to maintain public trust," added the message, which comes at the time the debate was escalating.

Somalia accuses Ethiopia of violating its territorial integrity and sovereignty contrary to international laws by signing the Red Sea annexation agreement with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia. In exchange, Ethiopia pledged to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state.

The country is fighting to defeat the Al-Shabaab militants and maintains Ethiopia's actions will compromise the struggle. On Thursday, Somalia made history by being elected a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, a key milestone in its geopolitical expeditions.

"Somalia has been elected to the United Nations Security Council for the 2025-2026 term. This significant achievement highlights the country’s unique diplomatic efforts and its unwavering commitment to global peace," the ministry added.

GAROWE ONLINE