Southwest opposes withdrawal of Ethiopian troops from Somalia

BAIDOA, Somalia - The regional state of Southwest has opposed the withdrawal of Ethiopia's National Defence Forces (ENDF) from the country, noting that they have been instrumental in promoting peace and stability in the country for the last two decades.

Ethiopia was the first to dispatch troops to Somalia in 2007, following the emergence of Al-Shabaab militants, who have been fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia. Ethiopia has close to 5000 soldiers in Somalia.

But despite Ethiopia's role in the stabilization mission, Somalia insists the troops must leave the country by the end of 2024, citing a recent agreement between Addis Ababa and Hargeisa, which triggered the latest conflict in the Horn of Africa.

However, Southwest State insists Ethiopian troops still have a huge role to play in the stabilization mission, noting that plans to withdraw them are "ill-advised" and "unnecessary". The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troops have started leaving the country.

The regional state's Ministry of Security said on its X (formerly Twitter) account that the Southwest administration is monitoring individuals who are misleading the public about the work of the Ethiopian army in the state.

"The Ethiopian troops under ATMIS mission have a difficult task. We thank them for their participation in the peacekeeping operation, and they will continue to stay and play their role in the region," stated the Ministry of Security of the Southwest.

On Saturday, Hussein Sheikh Ali, Somalia’s national security advisor, said the country will not consider Ethiopia as an ally in advancing of peace and stability. He accused Ethiopia of violating Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Sheikh Ali further said Ethiopian troops will not operate within the country post-ATMIS era, adding that they are not welcome. Only Kenya, Djibouti, Uganda, and Burundi will be allowed to contribute troops to Somalia once ATMIS leaves, he added.

Ethiopia signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland which if implemented, will see the country getting 20 kilometers of the Red Sea for the construction of a Naval Base and port in exchange for recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state.

GAROWE ONLINE