The government of Somalia has confirmed that it is authorised to select partners who will be contributing troops to African Union Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
In a statement issued Friday, the Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said as the transition from African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to (AUSSOM), Somalia will lead the mission’s direction with a clear focus on sovereignty.
The government of Somalia reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its sovereignty and ensuring peace for its people.
It said Ethiopia’s recent unilateral actions, including an illegal agreement with Somalia’s northern region, ”violates our sovereignty and erodes” the trust essential for peacekeeping.
“Past Ethiopian deployments have led to increased Al-Shabaab activity and little development. This demands a more strategic selection of troop partners to ensure AUSSOM aligns with Somalia’s security and development goals,” the statement said.
”As we prepare for the next phase of peace keeping under the upcoming AUSSOM, it is essential to reiterate that Somalia, as a sovereign state, holds the authority to decide which Troop Partner Nations (TPNs) will contribute troops to this mission” it added.
It said the decision on troop contributions must align with Somalia’s national interests and the preservation of its sovereignty.
“We call on all partners to uphold these principles for a peaceful and prosperous Somalia,” it said.
MG/as/APA’