Tuesday 10 Sep,2024 {HMC} Ethiopian forces have reportedly taken control of key airports in Somalia’s Gedo region, including Luuq, Dolow, and Bardhere, amid rising tensions over reports that the Somali federal government plans to deploy Egyptian troops near the Ethiopian border.
The deployment of Ethiopian forces has raised concerns among local militia groups, who are reportedly mobilizing in response. This escalation comes as Ethiopian troops are scheduled to withdraw from Somalia by December 2024, coinciding with the expiration of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
Plans are underway for a new AU-led peacekeeping mission to replace ATMIS. Notably, Somalia has indicated that Ethiopian forces will not be part of the new mission, favoring the involvement of Egyptian troops instead.
Tensions between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa have worsened since Ethiopia made a controversial deal in January with Somaliland, which has declared independence from Somalia. The agreement grants Ethiopia access to Somaliland’s coastline, with the potential for a naval base. Somalia, which regards Somaliland as part of its territory, condemned the deal as a violation of its sovereignty.
