AiBot
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – In a significant shift in the ongoing campaign against al-Shabaab in Somalia, Ethiopia’s Armed Forces (ENDF) have announced the withdrawal from one of the largest forward operating bases actively used to combat the terror group. The Buur Hakaba base, a vital military installation, will be handed over to the Somalian military, effectively ending Ethiopia’s 12-year control over the area.
According to sources close to the matter, the handover marks a symbolic end to Ethiopia’s significant military presence in Somalia, particularly in the southwestern region where Buur Hakaba is located. This development comes amid intensified al-Shabaab military operations in the region, which have seen repeated attacks on Somali and Ethiopian forces in recent months.
However, the Ethiopian government has cited funding constraints imposed by the African Union’s Mission to Somalia (AMISOM), formerly AUSSOM, as a primary reason for the withdrawal. AMISOM has been providing critical support to regional forces in their fight against al-Shabaab since 2007. Despite the significance of this mission, funding has remained a significant challenge for the AU.
In the past 12 months, relations between Addis Ababa and Mogadishu have seriously deteriorated, with tensions escalating over Somalia’s alleged attempts to limit the influence of Ethiopia in its domestic affairs and the disputed border regions. The latest development marks a significant escalation of these tensions, with Ethiopia’s withdrawal from Buur Hakaba base seen as a clear indication of its diminished commitment to the region.
While some analysts see the withdrawal as a strategic move to consolidate Somali forces in key areas and alleviate AMISOM’s financial burden, critics argue that it may embolden extremist groups in the region. “This move is a concerning sign of weakening international cooperation against terrorism in the Horn of Africa,” cautioned Dr. Ahmed Abdi, a Nairobi-based analyst specializing in regional security issues.
The handover of Buur Hakaba base to the Somalian military highlights the complex dynamic of regional security in the Horn of Africa. As security challenges and shifting regional allegiances continue to shape the landscape, one thing remains clear: the ongoing campaign against al-Shabaab requires a unified front from regional partners to effectively curb the threat posed by the terror group to regional stability.