We don't need permission to intervene in Somalia’s security arrangements, Ethiopia says

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia - Ethiopia maintains it doesn't need permission to intervene on Somalia's security arrangements, noting that it will still continue to participate in peacekeeping within the Horn of Africa nation which is battling with instability.

By January 2025, most soldiers serving in the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) would have left, paving way for a new contigent known as African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM)..

But Ethiopia maintains it will continue to actively participate in the peacekeeping mission, despite resistance from Somalia, which is keen to replace Ethiopia's troops with those from Egypt, which shall be in charge of the AUSSOM.

While the AU and UN security councils are expected to announce troop-contributing countries for AUSSOM next month, recent tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia have cast doubt on Ethiopia's involvement in the upcoming mission, The Star reports.

“There is no power that can stop Ethiopia from taking necessary action without asking permission from anyone. Ethiopia and its regional governments will continue working on this, in coordination with all neighbouring countries.

"There is no way Ethiopia will allow any force that opposes its interest to emerge in Somalia. Ethiopia will continue taking calculated actions to maintain its national interest,” said Nebiyu, Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson.

The spokesperson reported that al Shabaab is using sophisticated technology, including drones, in increasingly unpredictable attacks. He also highlighted the group's reliance on extortion, illegal taxation, and charcoal trading for funding.

Ethiopia signed a controversial agreement with Somaliland over access to sea, irking Somalia in the process. The agreement is yet to be implemented, with Somalia threatening to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

GAROWE ONLINE