BAIDOA, Somalia (KAAB TV) – Jubbaland and Southwest State of Somalia have both expressed strong opposition to the Somali federal government’s recent announcement to withdraw Ethiopian forces participating in the African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) peacekeeping operations.
Ethiopian forces have been in Somalia since 2007, providing critical security to communities and assisting regional states such as Jubbaland, Southwest State, and Hirshabelle in their fight against Al-Shabaab.
The ENDF are widely regarded by locals as essential to maintaining security amid the persistent threat from the militant group.
Last week, Hussein Sheikh Ali, the national security advisor to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, announced that Mogadishu would “no longer consider Ethiopia an ally” due to the MOU between Addis Ababa and Somaliland, and that the federal government wants Ethiopian Defense Forces (ENDF) to leave the country by December 31, 2024.
‘Ill-advised’ decision amid threats posed by Al-Shabaab
The announcement has shocked local communities in Jubbaland, Hirshabelle, and Southwest State, where the federal government itself is confined to a few blocks in the capital, Mogadishu, and cannot fill the security gap if Ethiopian forces depart.
Southwest State’s Ministry of Security quickly rebuffed the announcement as “ill-advised.” In a post on X, the ministry stated, “SWSS (South West State of Somalia) informed that some misguided individuals these days are using social media to disseminate misinformation,” referring to National Security Adviser Hussein Sheikh Ali.
The ministry added, “ATMIS ENDF is working hard, & we will be grateful for their contributions in operation/peacekeeping & will continue to exist and take up the role in the state.”
Minister of Security for Southwest State, Hassan Abdulkadir, warned against any uninformed decision, stating, “If ATMIS are going to be removed from the country, it needs to be discussed. None can make a unilateral decision.”
Just last week, Southwest State security forces partnered with ENDF to counter Al-Shabaab attacks in Waajid and Xudur, where the militant group has besieged areas for years, denying supply routes to the civilian population.
ENDF also protects Baidoa city, the seat of the Southwest State government, and its airport.
Similarly, Jubbaland’s Vice President Mohamud Sayid Adan said the decision to send Ethiopian troops out of the country “will only benefit Al-Shabaab.”
He emphasized that Ethiopian forces are currently the only African Union forces protecting the Gedo region of Jubbaland, where Al-Shabaab frequently targets civilians.
“This is going to be a difficult decision and I do not think it is wise at this time,” Mr. Adan stated, referring to the national security adviser’s announcement.
The opposition from these regional states highlights the critical role that Ethiopian forces play in Somalia’s security landscape. Despite the federal government pushes for their withdrawal, the voices from Jubbaland and Southwest State call for a more unified and carefully considered approach to ensure stability and security in the region.