Ethiopia has reportedly asked the African Union to accelerate the withdrawal of some of its troops deployed in Somalia, potentially forcing changes to AUSSOM’s planned troop reduction and redeployment schedule.
The request has not been officially confirmed by Ethiopia, the African Union or the Somali government.
However, sources familiar with the matter described it as an unexpected development that prompted AU officials to reconsider the order and timing of troop withdrawals.
Under the previous plan, the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, known as AUSSOM, was expected to prioritize reducing Uganda’s military contingent and completing the withdrawal of the remaining Burundian forces.
Ethiopia’s reported request would require the AU to revise that timetable and determine which contingents should leave first.
Ethiopian troops have maintained a significant presence in several parts of southern and central Somalia for many years.
