Friday September 13, 2024
Baidoa (HOL) — Somali Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre reaffirmed that Ethiopian troops would leave Somalia when the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) ends in December 2024.
During his visit to Baidoa this week, Prime Minister Barre stressed the government's responsibility for national security and assured that al-Shabaab would not be able to exploit the situation. The federal government has prepared a post-ATMIS plan to maintain the nation's security without foreign troops.
"Seven thousand ATMIS soldiers have already left Somalia, and Somali forces have taken over security in those areas. Have you heard of any places that al-Shabaab recaptured after AMISOM forces left? No. We ask the Somali people to trust us—we are responsible for their security, and we will not allow al-Shabaab to come and attack them," said Barre.
The withdrawal of Ethiopian forces has become a contentious issue, with both Southwest and Jubbaland states opposing the federal government's decision, fearing it could weaken security in their regions.
Relations between Somalia, Ethiopia, and Somaliland have also been strained following Ethiopia's controversial agreement with Somaliland for access to the Red Sea, which Mogadishu views as a breach of its sovereignty.