Mogadishu anticipates the arrival of a high-level Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF) delegation, led by Maj. Gen. Tesfaye Ayalew Alemu, today, signaling a deepening of military cooperation between the two nations as Somalia intensifies its campaign against the Al-Shabaab insurgency amid ongoing discussions concerning AUSSOM, according to high security sources from both Capitals.
This visit follows the Ethiopian Army Chief, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula’s recent trip to Mogadishu on February 23, 2025, where initial talks regarding Addis Ababa’s involvement in the AUSSOM mission took place.
The escalating partnership comes at a critical juncture in the regional security landscape. Al-Shabaab, despite facing sustained pressure, continues to pose a significant threat, conducting complex attacks and exploiting regional vulnerabilities.
Ethiopia’s strategic involvement, marked by recent ENDF airstrikes targeting Al-Shabaab positions in the Middle Shabelle region, especially the aerial support, has been instrumental in disrupting Al-Shabaab’s logistical networks which demonstrates a tangible shift from earlier diplomatic tensions to a robust, operational alliance.
Ethiopia’s involvement in Somalia is not without historical context. Beyond its current military engagement, Ethiopia shares a long and complex border with Somalia, making its security inextricably linked to the stability of its neighbor.
Ethiopia has contributed troops to previous AU missions in Somalia, and its current push to deepen military cooperation reflects its strategic interest in preventing Al-Shabaab from establishing a foothold that could destabilize the wider Horn of Africa.
The discussions expected to conclude during Maj. Gen. Alemu’s visit will likely address key operational details, including troop deployment, logistical support, and intelligence sharing. This deepening collaboration is poised to have a significant impact on the trajectory of the counter-insurgency campaign, potentially altering the regional security calculus and strengthening Somalia’s capacity to achieve lasting stability.
Somali government recently implemented a comprehensive restructuring, appointing a new Minister of Defence, a new Director General for the Ministry, and establishing a Presidential Advisor on Defence Affairs. These changes reflect Somalia’s commitment to streamlining its security apparatus and enhancing its operational effectiveness in the fight against Al-Shabaab.