What's happened
Somalia has secured troops from four AU nations for the AUSSOM mission while reconsidering Ethiopia's involvement after recent diplomatic talks. This follows Somaliland's new presidency and ongoing tensions over its independence and agreements with Ethiopia.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to All Africa, a senior Somali official indicated that the government has secured troops from Burundi, Djibouti, Kenya, and Uganda for the AUSSOM mission, while also hinting at a possible reconsideration of Ethiopian involvement following recent talks in Turkey. The Independent highlights the inauguration of Somaliland's new president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, who is focused on gaining international recognition for the region, which complicates Somalia's territorial claims. Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post notes China's support for Somalia's sovereignty amidst rising U.S. interest in Somaliland, suggesting a complex geopolitical landscape in the Horn of Africa.
How we got here
Somalia's relationship with Ethiopia has been strained due to a controversial agreement involving Somaliland. Recent talks in Turkey have prompted Somalia to reconsider Ethiopia's military support amid ongoing security challenges from al-Shabab.
More on these topics
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Somaliland, officially the Republic of Somaliland, is an unrecognised sovereign state in the Horn of Africa, internationally considered to be part of Somalia. Somaliland lies in the Horn of Africa, on the southern coast of the Gulf of Aden.
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Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Somali: Cabdiraxmaan Maxamed Cabdillaahi Cirro, Arabic: عبد الرحمن محمد عبد الله) (born 24 April 1955), also known as Irro, is a Somaliland politician, who served as speaker of Somaliland House of Represen
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Turkey, officially the Republic of Turkey, is a transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian peninsula in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on the Balkan peninsula in Southeastern Europe.
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Ethiopia, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a landlocked country in East Africa. It shares borders with Eritrea to the north, Djibouti to the northeast, Somalia to the east, Kenya to the south, South Sudan to the west and Sudan to