MOGADISHU — Ethiopia is reportedly preparing to withdraw some of its troops from Somalia, according to reports emerging amid renewed discussions over Somalia’s security and the role of foreign forces in the country.
The reported development comes as Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh are said to have held urgent consultations concerning the latest political and security situation in Somalia.
The discussions are reportedly focused on regional security, Somalia’s political developments and arrangements involving foreign military forces operating inside the country.
Ethiopia has maintained a significant military presence in Somalia for years as part of efforts to support Somali forces against Al-Shabaab. Ethiopian forces have also operated in Somalia under different bilateral and regional security arrangements.
The reported troop withdrawal could have implications for security coordination between Somalia and neighboring countries, particularly at a time when Mogadishu is seeking to strengthen the capabilities of its national security forces.
However, there has been no official confirmation so far that Ethiopia has ordered an immediate or complete withdrawal of its forces from Somalia. The details of the reported talks between Hassan Sheikh and Guelleh have also not been fully disclosed.
More information is expected as Somali, Ethiopian and regional officials respond to the reports.
