Ethiopia reaffirmed its commitment to countering al-Shabaab, stating that its efforts to “weaken” the militant group will persist in order to ensure national security and prevent any resurgence. In a weekly briefing on November 14, 2024, Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that Ethiopia will take all necessary actions to mitigate the ongoing threat posed by al-Shabaab.
“Al-Shabaab remains a serious concern for our national security, and we will not relent in our efforts to ensure that the progress made against them is not undone,” said Ambassador Nebiat. He also underscored the significance of Ethiopia’s role in reducing the group’s influence in the region.
The spokesperson noted the close ties between Ethiopia and Somalia, describing the two countries as “inseparable” neighbors. He reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to fostering long-term regional integration and stability through strategic efforts.
The briefing came in the wake of remarks by Somalia’s Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, who announced that Ethiopia would not participate in the upcoming African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which is set to launch in January 2025. Minister Nur expressed concerns over Ethiopia’s recent agreement with Somaliland, claiming that the deal undermines Somalia’s sovereignty and unity.
Ethiopia’s relations with Somalia have been further strained since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland in January 2024. The agreement, which allows Ethiopia access to the sea in exchange for potential recognition of Somaliland’s independence, has drawn criticism from Somalia, further complicating diplomatic ties between the two nations.
