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Showing posts from January, 2025

"Ethiopia Joins AUSSOM: Balancing Allies and Rivalries in Somalia's Security Mission"

Ethiopia Joins AUSSOM Mission: A New Chapter in Somalia’s Security Landscape The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) has witnessed a significant development with the inclusion of Ethiopian troops among its contributing forces. This decision, the outcome of high-level discussions between the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and Ethiopia, marks a critical step in the evolving dynamics of Somalia’s security framework. Background of Ethiopia’s Engagement Ethiopia has historically played an active role in Somalia’s stability, both bilaterally and through multilateral mechanisms. The Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) have been involved in countering the Al-Shabaab insurgency for years, often operating outside the formal African Union mandate. However, their recent inclusion within the AUSSOM framework signals a more coordinated approach to peacekeeping in Somalia. The agreement followed strategic negotiations between Somalia's leadership and Ethiopia, emphasizi...

From ATMIS to AUSSOM: A New Phase for Somalia

  A New Chapter for Somalia: Examining the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission Somalia's journey towards stability has been a long and arduous one, marked by conflict and instability. The end of ATMIS's mandate has ushered in a new era for Somalia, with the establishment of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission (AUSSOM). This new mission aims to further support Somalia in its pursuit of peace and security, but it also faces significant challenges that could determine its success. Funding the Future of Somali Security AUSSOM's success hinges on securing adequate funding. Peacekeeping operations are notoriously expensive, and securing consistent and adequate funding is crucial for the mission to effectively carry out its mandate. Historically, the AU has encountered challenges in financing its missions, often relying heavily on external partners. This dependence can create vulnerabilities and limit the AU's autonomy in decision-making. ...