The African Union and the Somali government have approved the deployment of 2,500 Ethiopian troops to the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), a newly established peacekeeping force tasked with fighting al-Shabaab and stabilizing reclaimed areas.
The decision follows months of uncertainty due to tensions in the Red Sea region, particularly between Ethiopia and Somaliland. The deployment was made possible after extensive diplomatic negotiations, including the Ankara Declaration brokered by Turkey.
AUSSOM, which replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in January 2025, operates under a smaller troop ceiling of 12,626 and is scheduled to continue through 2028. Uganda leads the mission with 4,500 troops, with additional forces from Egypt, Kenya, Djibouti, and other AU member states, including specialized police for urban stabilization.
Ethiopia’s involvement comes amid delicate regional dynamics. Egypt’s sizeable presence in AUSSOM has raised eyebrows due to its ongoing dispute with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Analysts say Egypt’s participation could be a strategic move to expand influence in the Horn of Africa.
Somalia has reiterated its commitment to sovereignty and long-term security reform, focusing on developing its own defense institutions while working with international backers for logistical and financial support.
