Ethiopia has asserted its right to continue counter-terrorism operations against Al-Shabaab* in Somalia, despite African Union (AU)-led peacekeeping mission presence. This statement comes amidst speculation that Somalia may replace Ethiopian troops with Egyptian personnel as the country prepares for the third iteration of the AU mission, AUSSOM, set to begin in 2025.
“There is no power that can stop Ethiopia from taking necessary action without asking permission from anyone. Ethiopia and its regional governments will continue working on this, in coordination with all neighboring countries. There is no way Ethiopia will allow any force that opposes its interest to emerge in Somalia. Ethiopia will continue taking calculated actions to maintain its national interest,” said Nebiyu, Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson.
The spokesperson reported that Al-Shabaab is using soophisticated technology, including drones, in increasingly unpredictable attacks. He also highlighted the group's reliance on extortion, illegal taxation, and charcoal trading for funding.
*Terrorist organization banned in Russia and other countries