Ethiopia has agreed to keep its peacekeeping troops in Somalia under the revised schedule.
As per the latest decision, troop contributing countries (TCCs) including Ethiopia and Egypt, “continue to deploy up to 11,826 uniformed personnel, inclusive of 680 police personnel, to AUSSOM until that date.
The additional support to AUSSOM and the Somali Security Forces is necessary to enable Somalia to bolster its fight against Al-Shabaab and improve peace and security in the country and the region.”
Uganda and Ethiopia have deployed additional troops in Somalia on a bilateral arrangement basis, as a short-term measure, continuing their commitment and sacrifices in addressing the prevailing security situation in Somalia.
Last year, after Ethiopia disclosed potential plans to recognize Somaliland, Mogadishu threatened to expel Ethiopia from AUSSOM.
It remains unclear whether Ethiopia will follow through in light of Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland this week.
Source:The Reporter
