Ethiopia’s AMISOM Forces Not Withdrawn from Somalia

Ethiopia’s AMISOM Forces Not Withdrawn from Somalia

October 30, 2016 - Ethiopian Minister of Defense said Ethiopian soldiers in African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) are not withdrawn from Somali.

The Minister, Siraj Fegessa, in his briefing on current issues to journalists held yesterday said that Ethiopia has not withdrawn its soldiers from the mission.

He added that Ethiopian troops under AMISOM are on their regular duties, and the country will continue to step up its effort to bring about peace and stability in Somalia.

He added that Ethiopian troops patrolling around Somali border are not members of the AMISOM and they move in and out accordingly.

The rumor that Ethiopian troops are withdrawn from Somali to attack Eritrea is baseless, the Ministry under scored.

40 to 50 Eritreans are migrating to Ethiopia per day for being frustrated and discontented by the Eritrean government, it was noted.

The country’s information and communication minister, Getachew Reda, lately told journalists last week that the withdrawal has nothing to do with the state decree, but was related with the "financial burden" and "lack of support" rather than the need for more troops at home.

"The international community also has a responsibility either to train or to support the Somali national army in whatever way they promised, and if they do not make good on that promise the Somali national army fails to discharge their responsibilities then, of course, as they say, nature – and al-Shabaab – abhors a vacuum, so they’ll just move in”, said the minister.

According to Getcahew, Ethiopia’s move to withdraw its troops from Somalia has nothing to do with the recently declared state of emergency as well.

It was noted that the state of emergency declared recently has enabled the government to control the violence; and stability has been restored in many parts of the country, adding that many investments are back in business.

Ethiopia is a major contributor of soldiers to the AMISOM, the African Union mission in the country, Walta learnt.

Source: Walta