MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – The commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) Michael Langley has voiced concerns about the differences between Somalia and Ethiopia, emphasizing how these tensions may impact Addis Ababa’s essential role in peacekeeping operations in Somalia and its participation in a new mission scheduled to start next year.
In an interview with VOA, Mr. Langley reiterated that joint military operations between Somalia’s army and Ethiopian forces have been limited since tensions escalated this year, following Ethiopia’s agreement on a sea access deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland.
The U.S. commander expressed concern over the potential effectiveness of the upcoming AU peacekeeping operation, noting that meaningful results may be unattainable without the involvement of Ethiopian troops. This comes in light of Mogadishu’s insistence that Addis Ababa must withdraw its forces next year if it does not revoke its agreement with Somaliland.
In comments on ISIS presence in Somalia, Mr Langley said the group has grown in numbers in northern Somalia and “probably two-folds” just last year, but refrained from giving any numbers.
Speaking on government’s stalled offensive against Al-Shabaab in central Somalia, AFRICOM chief stated that Somali authorities have largely been struggling with the stabilization aspect of the campaign that requires the formation of reliable holding forces. He confirmed previous claims by US officials that the militant group was able to recapture territory it last in the initial phase of the offensive, putting Somali troops on the backfoot once again.
He continued to add that he was cautiously optimistic that Somalia’s government will win its war against Al-Shabaab, considering the ebb and flow of the campaign.
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