The visit comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries, particularly concerning security operations and diplomatic relations.

COMMUNIQUE

ON THE OCCASION OF THE WORK VISIT BY THE CHIEF OF ETHIOPIA NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE FIELD MARSHAL BIRHANU JULA OF THE FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA TO SOMALIA

1. Following the recent Bilateral engagement between H.E Dr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia and H.E Dr. Abiy Ahmed, the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa,Ethiopia on 14-16 February 2025, it was agreed that a technical discussion was to be held in Mogadishu Somalia.
2. Based on the above instructions a delegation led by Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, Chief of Ethiopia National Defence Force paid a one-day Work Visit to the Federal Republic of Somalia on 22ND February 2025. The Chief was accompanied by the head of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), Redwan Hussein and other Government Officials.
3. Maj. Gen Odawa Yusuf Rage, Chief of Defense Forces of the Somali National Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Somalia and Amb. Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Director of National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) welcomed Field Marshal General Birhanu Jula and Redwan Hussein to Somalia and commended the strongbilateral cooperation between the two countries.
4. The chiefs exchanged views on the security situation in Somalia and the region and underscored the need to maintain peace, security and stability in the Horn of Africa and in the African continent. They paid tribute to the Troop and Police Contributing Countries (T/PCCs) of the AU MISSION in Somalia (AMISOM)/ATMIS and Somali Security Forces for the sacrifices made since 2007 in pacifying the country and the fight against Al-Shabaab.
5. 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. 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).
6. The Chiefs emphasized the need to adequately support the current efforts to fight al-Shabaab and underscored their commitment to jointly work together to counter terrorism.
7. The parties agreed that the Federal Government of Somalia will be the only point of entry for any engagement between the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Federal Republic of Somalia and to respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of its people.
8. The Chiefs called upon to the international community to support in building the capabilities of the Somali National Armed Forces to ensure the smooth exit of AUSSOM and pave way for Somalia to assume her security responsibilities.
9. At bilateral level, the Chiefs agreed to develop a Status of Force Agreement a (SOFA) for all the bilateral forces that will operate in Somalia, the signing of the SOFA will be integral part of the Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation that was signed in December 2023.

DONE at Mogadishu, Somalia on this 22nd day of FEBRUARY 2025.

The post COMMUNIQUE: Visit by Ethiopia Defence Force Chief, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, to Somalia appeared first on Kaab TV.

2024 marked a pivotal year for Somalia, characterised by significant strides in peace and security, thanks to the concerted efforts of the Federal Government of Somalia, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, in collaboration with the African Union Mission.

Firstly, Somalia will join the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member in January 2025, following its successful election. This marks a momentous achievement in the country’s recent history and provides an opportunity for Somalia to contribute to global peace and security.

Secondly, Somalia continued the path to economic revitalisation. In March 2024, the country became a full member of the East African Community (EAC), a regional trading bloc with a market size of over 170 million people. Somalia, boasting the longest coastline in Africa at over 3,000 kilometres and rich natural resources, is strategically positioned to emerge as a key player within the economic bloc.

In 2024, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), the predecessor of AUSSOM, made significant strides by transferring Forward Operating Bases to the Somali Security Forces (SSF), in line with the Somalia Transition Plan. This shows that the Somali Security Forces have acquired the necessary expertise to independently take over the country’s security responsibilities.

We commend international partners and ATMIS Troop and Police Contributing Countries (T/PCCs) for their support and sacrifice on this journey to empower Somali Security Forces through initiatives focused on force generation and capacity building.

In collaboration with development partners, ATMIS initiated a range of quick-impact projects, including construction of boreholes, classrooms, police stations, and rehabilitation of health centres, to improve the lives of residents in liberated areas.

AUSSOM has finally become operational, beginning 1st January 2025, as per UN Security Council Resolution 2767 (2024). It will build on the achievements made under ATMIS to ensure Somalia realizes long-term peace and security.

At the African Union level, we will continue our engagements under AUSSOM, guided by the AU Peace and Security Council communiqués, as well as UN Security Council resolutions. We will also continue our operational support to the SSF as we look forward to a productive year ahead. On behalf of the AU Mission, I wish to affirm our commitment to the Federal Government of Somalia’s stabilisation efforts and post-conflict recovery.

Happy New Year!

Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef

The post New Year Message from the African Union Special Representative for Somalia appeared first on Kaab TV.

Diplomatic sources have informed Kaab TV that Addis Ababa has been given approval to deploy up to 2,000 troops as part of the new peacekeeping mission.

The AUSSOM mission has been launched despite facing financial challenges.

Ethiopian forces were previously part of the ATMIS mission, which has now ended.

The decision to include Ethiopian forces in AUSSOM comes after Burundi withdrew from the mission, citing dissatisfaction with the limited troop allocation.

Burundi has labeled the decision to exclude them from AUSSOM as an act of betrayal.

The post Somalia Approves Ethiopian Troops for AUSSOM appeared first on Kaab TV.

The new mission will also play a critical role in ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid across the country.

The draft resolution for AUSSOM was tabled by the United Kingdom, which acts as the penholder for Somalia at the UN Security Council.

The resolution, adopted on Friday, allows for the deployment of up to 12,626 personnel to assist in counter-terrorism operations and stabilize the Horn of Africa nation.

AUSSOM is set to replace the existing African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which evolved from AMISOM after its initial deployment in 2007.

Somalia is still deciding which countries will contribute troops to the new mission.

Tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia over access to the Red Sea have added complexity to these discussions.

Ethiopian forces are reportedly excluded from the mission, with reports suggesting Egypt, a regional rival of Ethiopia, has announced plans to participate in AUSSOM, which is set to launch in January 2025.

Somali National Security Adviser Hussein Sheikh Ali addressed the issue, stating, “Somalia is actively engaging with the AU and potential troop-contributing countries (TCCs) for AUSSOM.

The mandate of AUSSOM allows the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) to determine TCC participation.

A decision will be announced soon, aligning with our national priorities. The spirit of the Ankara Declaration remains strong and alive.”

The Ankara Declaration, signed earlier this month in Turkey, marked a step toward easing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia.

Relations between the two nations were strained after Addis Ababa signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland earlier this year to access the Red Sea, an agreement Mogadishu deemed a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty.

Turkey, with strong ties to both countries, facilitated the agreement.

Meanwhile, local skepticism about AUSSOM remains high. Many Somalis doubt the effectiveness of ATMIS and fear the new mission may face similar challenges, including divisions between the Federal Government in Mogadishu and regional states.

These internal conflicts could hinder the mission’s operations and further complicate the country’s fragile security situation.

The international community is hopeful that AUSSOM will bolster efforts to combat terrorism and support Somalia’s stabilization, but success will depend on overcoming both local and regional challenges.

The post UN Approves New AU Mission to Deter Al-Shabaab in Somalia appeared first on Kaab TV.

The brazen violence served as a stark reminder of the persistent threat the extremist organization poses to the country’s stability and security.

The violent spree commenced on a Friday afternoon when a lone suicide bomber targeted a residential neighborhood in Mogadishu’s Hodan district. The neighborhood housed military officers and other government officials, making it a prime target for the attackers.

The suicide bomber claimed the lives of at least eight individuals, including a prominent military colonel named Abdikarin Ahmed Yusuf, widely known as Afar Shaagle. Additionally, a military general named Abdullahi Qaanso sustained injuries in the attack. Colonel Abdikarin had previously served as the deputy governor of Lower Shabelle, while General Qaanso had been leading recent offensives against Al-Shabaab in the Galgaduud region.

Simultaneously, a heavily armed group of Al-Shabaab militants launched an assault on a security checkpoint in the Tiida area of Dayniile district, located in Mogadishu. The insurgents temporarily overran the checkpoint, wreaking havoc and demolishing a building before eventually retreating. Multiple casualties, including both soldiers and civilians, were reported during the attack.

Al-Shabaab promptly claimed responsibility for both attacks.

In Balcad district, situated in the Middle Shabelle region, another group of Al-Shabaab assailants targeted an ATMIS (African Union Mission in Somalia) base during the early evening. An intense exchange of gunfire ensued between the attackers and forces stationed at the outpost, resulting in the insurgents eventually withdrawing from the area.

Moving to Lower Shabelle region, Al-Shabaab insurgents detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) targeting security forces on patrol in Afgooye town. As of now, there is no official information regarding casualties, and authorities have not made any public statements concerning the attack. Security officers initiated a thorough search operation to identify those responsible for planting the IED.

In the village of Taabto, near the Kenya-Somalia border, militants launched a fierce attack on an ATMIS base on Friday night. A protracted exchange of gunfire erupted between the assailants and security forces, ultimately leading to the withdrawal of the insurgents. Similarly, in Hoosingow, another base manned by the Kenyan forces of the ATMIS faced a similar attack during the early evening hours, according to local accounts.

Al-Shabaab also carried out a daring attack on local security forces in Afmadow town, situated in Lower Jubba region. The extent of casualties resulting from this assault is yet to be determined.

In the besieged town of Diinsoor in Baay region, residents endured a sleepless night as the militants attempted to forcefully enter the town on Friday evening. Local officials, however, reported that security forces successfully repelled the attack, resulting in no reported casualties at the time.

Amidst this wave of attacks, Al-Shabaab took control of the ATMIS military base in Geriley which is just less than 10 kilometres from the Kenyan border and recently handed over by Kenyan forces. The militant group announced its capture of the base on Thursday, raising concerns about the evolving dynamics on the ground.

Somali national army officials have not yet commented on the seizure, leaving the fate of Geriley and the ongoing conflict in the area uncertain.

The post Al-Shabaab’s coordinated attacks: Eight hit-and-run and bombing attacks across five regions appeared first on Kaab TV.

During the graduation ceremony of the recently trained “Martyrdom-seekers Battalion,” Ali Mohamud Rage (commonly known as Ali Dheere), the spokesperson for Al-Shabaab, delivered a speech.

This development comes as the Somali government soldiers and allied militia faced unprecedented challenges and fatigue in their ongoing military operations against the insurgent group.

Al-Shabaab spokesman Ali Mohamud Rage (Ali Dheere) delivers the keynote speech at a graduation ceremony for newly trained insurgents of the “Martyrdom-seekers Battalion” (Katibat al-Istishhadiyyin):

THREAD 🧵 pic.twitter.com/isLwoJNRi4

— Christopher Anzalone (@IbnSiqilli) June 27, 2023

Reportedly held this month, the graduation ceremony highlighted recent captures of bases, including Masagawa (Masagaway) and Buulo Mareer from the previous month. Ali Dheere appealed to those who have endured injustices and grievances to join the group’s fight, seeking revenge for their perceived wrongs.

The military training camp where the ceremony took place was named after Rabi’i ibn ‘Amr, who allegedly had a conversation with Sasanian shah Rustum prior to the Battle of Qadisiyya.

During his address, the spokesperson of the militant group pledged to launch new attacks, emphasizing their preparedness for the anticipated withdrawal of African Union (ATMIS) soldiers.

Among the Al-Shabaab men present alongside Ali Dheere was Suldan Al Mohamed (also known as Suldan Al Muhammad or Suldaan Aala Maxamed), a long-standing figure in the zakat tax and humanitarian aid sector, who is reportedly now serving as a senior advisor to Al-Shabaab’s leader, Abu Ubayda Ahmad Umar.

The event witnessed parade by the Al-Shabaab insurgents riding on captured Somali National Army (SNA) vehicles and weapons. It inclides vehicles donated by United Arab Emirates to the Jubbaland forces.

Somali government did not immediately comment on the matter.

A recent policy briefing by the Crisis Group underscores the enormous challenges that Somalia still faces. Many experts agree that Al-Shabaab cannot be defeated solely through military means. The deep divisions between the central government in Mogadishu and the federal member states, as well as the fault lines among various factions within the states themselves, pose significant risks and potentially dangerous outcomes.

The post Al-Shabaab parades new recruits and calls for those who have ‘grievances’ to join appeared first on Kaab TV.

The militant group launched the attack by using vehicles loaded with explosives, followed by armed militants storming two army bases occupied by the African Union forces (ATMIS) and the Somali National Army (SNA).

It began with multiple massive explosions leading to a fierce confrontation between Ugandan troops of the African Union Transition Mission (ATMIS) and the al-Shabaab attackers in the dawn hours of Friday.

Residents said they were waken up by the sound of gunfire and explosions as the battle ensued for hours.

The exact number of casualties is unknown at this time.

Eyewitnesses told Kaab TV that al-Shabaab fighters were seen patrolling the streets of Bulo Mareer during mid-morning, while frightened residents fled the agricultural-rich town to seek safety in nearby locations. One resident named Abukar Hussein reported witnessing the militant group looting the military bases.

Social media reports have indicated that Al-Shabaab has captured Ugandan soldiers alive. However, local authorities and army officers have not provided any official comments.

ATMIS, in a statement, acknowledged the assault, stating, “This morning, #ATMIS FOB in Bulo Mareer came under Al-Shabab attack. ATMIS forces are currently assessing the security situation. More information will be issued later.”

On the other hand, Al-Shabaab, in their statement, claimed to have seized the camp and allegedly killed dozens of ATMIS soldiers. However, there is currently no independent verification of the group’s claim.

The post Locals say al-Shabaab militants seize control of Bulo Mareer town in bold attack appeared first on Kaab TV.

According to preliminary investigations, the incident happened after an unidentified person hurled a suspicious object at one of the ATMIS trucks. The person later attempted to mount the truck prompting a response from ATMIS soldiers who were escorting the vehicle.

ATMIS has since launched an independent inquiry into the incident and calls for calm as investigations continue. The findings will be shared with the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS).

ATMIS commits to protecting the lives of civilians and will continue to uphold and respect the rights of all Somali citizens as prescribed in its mandate and to support the FGS in ensuring a peaceful and stable Somalia.

The post AU forces says its forces shot and killed a civilian in Mogadishu appeared first on Kaab TV.

The Head of ATMIS Ambassador Mohammed El-Amine Souef who is also the African Union (AU) special representative for Somalia stated the commitment of between the federal government of Somalia and ATMIS to pursuing joint military collaboration in the ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab in south and central Somalia.

Ambassador Souef reiterated ATMIS’ continued support to the Somali Security Forces in the ongoing military operations against Al-Shabab.

“ATMIS is supporting the ongoing operations in terms of logistics. We are using our air assets, our enablers to provide air support and also provide medical evacuation at the frontline,” said the Head of ATMIS, Ambassador Souef.

He saluted the political will demonstrated by the national leaders led by the President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who is directly involved in the ongoing Somali-led operations against Al-Shabaab and continues to visit the frontline.

The AU diplomat also welcomed the groundswell of opposition against Al-Shabaab, and the support the Somali National Army (SNA) is receiving from the local communities, which has made possible the liberation of territories under Al-Shabaab control.

“Somalis feel that their number one enemy is Al-Shabaab. and that is why the SNA is getting a lot of support from the people who are on the ground and the Federal Member States,” Ambassador Souef observed.

In the ongoing reconciliation efforts,  ATMIS and the Federal Government of Somalia agreed to continue supporting the National Consultative Council, which brings together leaders of the Federal Government and the Federal Member States. The council is expected to hold its next meeting in February.

The Federal Government of Somalia and ATMIS also resolved to strengthen collaboration in the areas of military training and intelligence sharing to ensure the transition process is successful.

The post AU forces announce a joint military operation against Al-Shabaab appeared first on Kaab TV.