Ethiopia is preparing to withdraw more than 3,000 troops from neighboring Somalia, according to reports. The move comes as the Ethiopian government faces pressure to redirect military resources towards conflicts at home. Renewed fighting in Ethiopia, particularly in the northern Tigray region, has strained the country's military resources. This development may influence Ethiopia's ability to maintain deployments beyond its borders.
A Somali Defence Ministry official stated that Mogadishu had received no notification from Addis Ababa about a possible withdrawal. The official's comments suggest that the Somali government is not aware of the reported plan. It remains unclear how many troops would ultimately leave, which deployments would be affected, or whether Somali forces or other personnel serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) would take over their positions.
Ethiopia maintains troops in Somalia under different arrangements. Some Ethiopian forces serve as part of AUSSOM, the African Union mission supporting Somali security forces in operations against al-Shabab. Others are deployed under separate bilateral security arrangements with Mogadishu. The reported withdrawal could affect one or both categories of forces.
Ethiopia has maintained a significant military presence in Somalia for years and has played an important role in operations against al-Shabab. In September, AUSSOM reported that an Ethiopian contingent had completed a troop rotation in Sector Four, with new personnel replacing soldiers who had completed a three-year deployment. The incoming forces were expected to continue working alongside Somali security forces on security and stabilization operations.
The reported withdrawal comes as Ethiopia faces renewed armed conflict in parts of the country. Fighting has intensified in the northern Tigray region, while insecurity involving armed groups has also continued elsewhere. These developments are putting additional pressure on Ethiopia's military resources.
Any substantial withdrawal could affect security arrangements in parts of Somalia where Ethiopian forces have operated for years. Ethiopian troops have been involved in operations against al-Shabab and have maintained positions in several areas, including parts of southern and central Somalia. A significant reduction in their presence could require Somali forces or other AUSSOM contingents to assume additional responsibilities.
Neither Addis Ababa nor Mogadishu has formally announced a troop pullout, and the African Union has not publicly announced a change to Ethiopia's AUSSOM deployment. The scale and timing of any withdrawal remain uncertain. Key questions still unanswered include which Ethiopian forces could leave Somalia and whether replacements would be deployed.
Key points
- Ethiopia reportedly plans to withdraw over 3,000 troops from Somalia amid renewed fighting at home.
- The withdrawal may affect security arrangements in parts of Somalia where Ethiopian forces have operated for years.
- The scale and timing of any withdrawal remain uncertain, with no formal announcement from Addis Ababa or Mogadishu.
