Monday June 3, 2024
FILE - Ethiopian soldiers from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) stand in formation. Officials from Somalia's South West and Jubaland regions have expressed opposition to the planned withdrawal of Ethiopian troops by the end of the year. Credit: ATMIS
Mogadishu (HOL) — Officials from Somalia's South West and Jubaland regions have expressed strong opposition to Ethiopian troops' planned withdrawal from the country by the end of this year.
Hussein Sheikh Ali, National Security Adviser to the President of Somalia, announced on Friday that the Somali government expects all Ethiopian troops to leave Somalia by year-end, coinciding with the conclusion of the African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). However, troops from other ATMIS-contributing countries will remain in Somalia as part of a new operation expected to begin in January 2025, though it has not yet been named.
Jubaland Deputy President Mohamud Sayid Adan described the situation as challenging, telling the VOA Somali Service, "It is not something that can be decided upon by those with vested interests."
Similarly, the Minister of Security for the South West Region, Hassan Abdulqadir Mohamed, stressed the need for thorough discussion before any troop withdrawal. He expressed a preference for the continued presence of Ethiopian forces. "If the army is to be withdrawn from the country now, it needs to be thoroughly discussed, and no single party can make such a decision. The South West is content with the presence of Ethiopian troops," he said.
W/ files from the VOA