Ethiopia has voiced serious concerns about the ongoing transition from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to a new peace support mission, warning that the change could destabilize the Horn of Africa. In a press statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, Ethiopia emphasized that the transition is fraught with risks, as the region enters what it described as “uncharted waters.”
The Ethiopian government criticized what it sees as the international community’s failure to heed warnings from Ethiopia and other Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs). According to the statement, Ethiopia is being pressured to overlook hostile statements and actions that undermine the sacrifices made by its defense forces in the region.
“Ethiopia cannot stand idle while other actors are taking measures to destabilize the region,” the statement read, underscoring that the country is vigilantly monitoring developments that could pose threats to its national security.
Ethiopia also accused the Government of Somalia of collaborating with external actors to destabilize the region, despite Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts to promote peace and security. The statement highlighted that tangible progress had been made in discussions aimed at resolving differences with Somalia, but claimed that these efforts are now at risk.
The Ministry’s statement urged those responsible for the new peace support mission to consider the legitimate concerns of the region’s countries and the TCCs. Ethiopia warned that forces attempting to inflame tensions for “short-term and futile objectives” must face the consequences of their actions, which could undermine gains made against regional and international terrorist groups.
Ethiopia reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful resolution of conflicts and called on the international community to work together to prevent threats to the stability of the region.
