Mogadishu (KAAB TV) –Hussein Macallin, Somalia’s National Security Adviser, said that “all Ethiopian troops are expected to leave Somalia by the end of December 2024.” This move is part of the African Union’s withdrawal of troops from Somalia ATMIS, which will conclude its mandate at the end of the year.
“Ethiopian forces will not be part of the AU forces that will operate in the country when the ATMIS operation ends in December,” stated Macallin. He went on to say that Somalia is talking with foreign friends to build an international force that will operate in the country for a year beginning in January 2025. Following ATMIS, this force will include troops from Djibouti, Kenya, Uganda, and Burundi.
The withdrawal of Ethiopian troops signifies a significant shift in Somalia’s security, with thousands of Ethiopian troops participating in the ATMIS operation, which was authorized by the African Union and ordered by the United Nations Security Council. Council for Peace and Security of the United Nations and the African Union.
ATMIS is due to leave Somalia by the end of December 2024, according to UN Security Council Resolution 2710 (2023). Despite this, there is still a plan to establish an army behind the ATMIS to help safeguard the people’s strategic centers, United Nations centers, and important government centers in Somalia.
Diplomatic relations between Somalia and Ethiopia have deteriorated dramatically, particularly since they signed an agreement on January 1, 2024. Ethiopia and Somaliland reached a deal that gave Ethiopia access to the sea via a leased military post in exchange for Somaliland’s recognition. Somalia rejected the consensus accord, which led to the removal of Ethiopia’s ambassador to Somalia, Muqtar Mohamed Waare, in April, and an order to close the Ethiopian Consulate offices are located in Hargeisa and Garowe, the capital of Puntland.
Despite these precautions, Somalia has been unable to close the Ethiopian consulates in Hargeisa and Garowe.
Somalia’s National Security Adviser said negotiations to establish a new multinational force are ongoing, and that the arrangements are intended to endure for one year, beginning in January 2025. This plan aims to ensure Somalia’s security and stability after the withdrawal of ATMIS.
The successful withdrawal of Ethiopian forces and the installation of new international forces are critical steps for Somalia in protecting and strengthening its independence and security infrastructure in the coming years.