Politics
Why Somalia Opposes Ethiopian Peacekeepers in Security Mission
Somalia’s current administration aims to strengthen alliances with other East African countries and African Union peacekeeping forces while minimizing Ethiopian involvement, reflecting a preference for a more neutral approach. The Somali public generally views Ethiopian troops with skepticism, which complicates the effectiveness and acceptance of peacekeeping missions. By excluding Ethiopian forces, Somalia seeks to ensure that peacekeeping efforts are in line with its national interests and to foster greater public trust in the security process.
Somalia resists Ethiopian peacekeepers, citing historical tensions and security concerns over regional influence amid ongoing conflict with al-Shabaab.
Somalia’s stance against Ethiopian peacekeepers in the country has drawn attention and underscored longstanding tensions rooted in historical and geopolitical complexities.
Somalia’s resistance centers on deep-seated distrust toward Ethiopia due to historical disputes over territory, particularly regarding the Somali region in eastern Ethiopia.
Somalia views Ethiopian involvement in peacekeeping as potentially biased, and fears it could influence Somali affairs in a way that might benefit Ethiopian interests.
Historical Tensions and Territorial Disputes
Somalia and Ethiopia have a history of territorial disputes dating back to the mid-20th century, with the Ogaden War (1977-78) as a notable flashpoint.
The Somali National Army, along with ethnic Somali insurgents, clashed with Ethiopian forces over control of the Ogaden region, which has a significant Somali population but lies within Ethiopia’s borders.
This conflict fueled nationalistic sentiments within Somalia, casting Ethiopia as an adversary with whom trust remains elusive.
Geopolitical Influence and Security Concerns
As Somalia continues its fight against the al-Shabaab insurgency, Ethiopian forces, even under African Union peacekeeping missions (AMISOM, now ATMIS), are often perceived as a threat to Somalia’s sovereignty.
Somalia worries that Ethiopian peacekeepers could push Ethiopia’s agenda, potentially influencing political outcomes in Mogadishu. With both countries having strategic interests in the Horn of Africa, Somalia fears that Ethiopia’s role could tilt the power dynamics in the region.
Regional Alliances and Public Perception
Somalia’s current government seeks to rebuild alliances with other East African nations and African Union peacekeeping forces without significant Ethiopian involvement, highlighting a desire for a more neutral force.
The Somali public often views Ethiopian soldiers with skepticism, complicating the peacekeeping mission’s effectiveness and acceptance. As Somalia pursues its security goals, the exclusion of Ethiopian forces may be an effort to ensure that peacekeeping efforts align with Somali interests and maintain public trust.
In the delicate context of peacebuilding in Somalia, the decision to exclude Ethiopian peacekeepers reflects a broader aspiration for sovereignty and balanced regional influence.
Keywords:Somalia:Ethiopia:Peacekeepers:Security: Ogaden conflict