Hussein Sheikh Ali, Somalia’s National Security Adviser, recently said that the Ethiopian Army is likely to leave Somalia by the end of December 2024, causing intense debate throughout the country.
This move is part of a larger departure of African Union forces as part of the African Union Transitional Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year.
The South West Somalia administration has expressed strong opposition to the pullout proposal. The leaders of regional administrations have chastised the federal government for what they regard as a hurried action that may generate instability.
They contend that Ethiopian military have played a significant role in ensuring security and stability in the regionParticularly in the fight against the terrorist group Al-Shabaab.
The South West State Ministry of Security has categorically rejected Hussein Sheikh Ali’s assertion, emphasising the Ethiopian National Force’s significant involvement in the ATMIS process.
especially in the fight against the terrorist group Al-Shabaab.
The Ministry of Security of the South West State has clearly denied the statement made by Hussein Sheikh Ali, emphasizing the substantial intervention of the Ethiopian National Force (ENDF) in the ATMIS process.
The event highlights the complicated security dynamics at work in Somalia during the transition period following the withdrawal of ATMIS soldiers and this tremendous development.
As the country goes through this tough period, the international community will be looking closely to see how these changes influence Somalia’s overall security situation.