The National Security Adviser of Somalia Hussein Moalim has stated that the countries participating in the AUSSOM mission will be announced soon. This follows the UN Security Council’s approval on December 27, 2024, for the transition from the ATMIS mission, formerly known as AMISOM.
In a statement posted on his Twitter, the Adviser emphasized that Somalia has the legal authority to decide on the countries involved in AUSSOM. The decision will be made shortly, in line with the nation’s priorities. The spirit of the Ankara Declaration remains strong and active.
This statement suggests that the Somali government has not yet made a decision regarding Ethiopia’s participation in the new mission, despite Ethiopia’s involvement in previous talks during the Ankara negotiations regarding the mission’s continuation.
Previously, Somali officials indicated that Ethiopia would be excluded from AUSSOM due to tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, particularly following the agreement between Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and former Somaliland President Muse Bihi over access to the sea and a military base in Somaliland.
Efforts to resolve the tensions have failed, although Turkey recently facilitated preliminary talks between Somalia and Ethiopia. The countries agreed to finalize their discussions at the beginning of the new year.
Since the diplomatic dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia, Somalia has strengthened its relationships with Eritrea and Egypt, holding multiple meetings and signing a tripartite agreement.
