MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) have officially become part of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), following discussions between Somali and Ethiopian security officials.
During a high-level meeting, both sides emphasized the critical role of ENDF in African Union peace support operations and agreed on the force’s disposition within AUSSOM.
The deployment is expected to bolster security efforts and support stabilization initiatives in Somalia as the country continues its fight against al-Shabaab militants.
“The Chiefs welcomed the commencement of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and highlighted the importance of building on the achievements made by its predecessor ATMIS,” a statement from the two countries’ security officials noted.
“The chiefs underscored the role of ENDF in African Union peace support operations and agreed on the Force disposition of ENDF in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM),” it added.
This move marks a continuation of Ethiopia’s military presence in Somalia, now under the new AUSSOM framework, which replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
Somali officials reiterated the importance of collaboration with regional partners to ensure security gains are maintained and further strengthened.
The integration of ENDF into AUSSOM comes amid ongoing security challenges and efforts to transition Somalia’s security responsibilities to its own forces in the coming years.