Somalia

Somalia sets deadline for Ethiopian troops withdrawal

AU troops in Somalia

By Amina Wako | Friday, May 31, 2024

Somalia is in talks with international partners to deploy a multinational force that will operate in the country for a period of one year, starting from January 2025.

Somalia's National Security Advisor Hussein Macallin, announced on Friday that the country expects all Ethiopian troops to withdraw from its territory by the end of December 2024.

According to Hussein, Ethiopian forces will not be part of the African Union-led forces that will operate in Somalia once the African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) mandate ends in December.

Instead, Somalia is in talks with international partners to deploy a multinational force that will operate in the country for a period of one year, starting from January 2025.

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"Post-ATMIS forces will come from the other four contributing countries - Djibouti, Kenya, Uganda and Burundi. Ethiopian troops will leave by December," said Hussein on Friday during Twitter space.

This development comes as Somalia seeks to strengthen its security and stability, following years of conflict and political instability.

The withdrawal of Ethiopian troops and the deployment of a new multinational force mark a significant shift in Somalia's security landscape, and are seen as a key step towards achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.

The Somali government has been working closely with international partners to ensure a smooth transition and to address any security concerns that may arise during this period.