Ethiopia, Somalia formalize military cooperation under AU mission

Ethiopia and Somalia have formalized a military cooperation agreement, enabling the deployment of Ethiopian forces under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This agreement, outlined in a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), follows discussions between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in mid-February. The recent visit of Ethiopian Defense Chief Field Marshal Birhanu Jula to Mogadishu focused on enhancing bilateral military collaboration and addressing regional security threats, particularly against al-Shabaab. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining stability in the Horn of Africa and acknowledged Somalia's federal government as the primary authority for security arrangements with foreign forces. The agreement builds upon prior defense pacts and aims to provide a structured framework for Ethiopian military involvement in Somalia. This development occurs amidst growing tensions in the region, particularly involving Ethiopia's relationships with neighboring countries like Eritrea.