ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia has been a pivotal player in restoring peace and stability in Somalia, making significant sacrifices to help its neighboring country recover from decades of conflict. Ethiopia’s contributions to peacekeeping, military support, and regional cooperation have been instrumental in stabilizing Somalia and ensuring broader regional security in the Horn of Africa.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie, Ethiopia’s military efforts in Somalia, particularly through its involvement in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), have played a crucial role in fighting terrorist groups like al-Shabaab. Ethiopian troops have worked closely with Somali forces to liberate towns from extremists and helped build the foundations for a stable government structure.

The foreign minister further emphasized that Ethiopia’s contributions go beyond the battlefield. The country has provided intelligence, military training, and joint operations support, which have been critical in empowering Somalia’s security apparatus. Ethiopia’s diplomatic efforts have also been key in garnering international support for Somalia’s reconstruction.

However, concerns have emerged about potential outside powers seeking to replace Ethiopia’s peacekeeping role in Somalia, a move that could jeopardize the fragile peace established in the region. Ethiopia has cautioned that such geopolitical shifts may reignite conflicts and destabilize the region further.

Ethiopia remains committed to its role in Somalia’s recovery, advocating for cooperation and dialogue as essential to maintaining peace in the Horn of Africa.