Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-The Federal Government of Somalia has on Wednesday issued a strong statement reaffirming its sovereignty and authority over the selection of troop-contributing nations for the upcoming African Union Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

The announcement follows Ethiopia’s recent expression of interest to join the new mission, after hosting a conference of defense ministers from troop-contributing countries (TCCs) in Addis Ababa last week.

Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that as the country transitions from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to AUSSOM, it will lead the direction of the mission with a clear focus on national sovereignty.

The statement reiterated that Somalia holds the authority to decide which troop partners will contribute to AUSSOM, prioritizing national security and interests.

“Ethiopia’s recent unilateral actions, including an illegal agreement with Somalia’s northern region, violate our sovereignty and erode the trust essential for peacekeeping,” the Ministry stated.

It underscored that past Ethiopian deployments in Somalia have led to increased Al-Shabaab activity and minimal development, calling for a more strategic selection of partners that align with Somalia’s security and developmental goals.

The Ministry’s statement came just hours after Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud concluded a diplomatic tour of four TCCs—Uganda, Burundi, Djibouti, and Kenya. Notably, the President did not visit Ethiopia, highlighting ongoing tensions over a port agreement with Somaliland earlier this year.

Somalia’s position on the new mission is clear: the decision on troop contributions must align with the country’s national interests and sovereignty. The statement emphasized Somalia’s preference for Egypt as a troop partner, signaling a pushback against Ethiopia’s involvement in AUSSOM.

Ethiopia’s participation is viewed with caution due to ongoing regional disputes, particularly concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

The Somali government remains committed to collaborating with the African Union, United Nations, and European Union on AUSSOM, stressing that all troop partners must respect Somalia’s sovereignty.

“We will not compromise on decisions affecting our future and security,” the Ministry declared, calling on international partners to uphold these principles for a stable and prosperous Somalia.