The United States has warned Ethiopia about its interference in Somalia. In a meeting between Ethiopian Foreign Minister Atske-Selassie and U.S. Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Ambassador Mike Hammer, the two sides discussed peace and security in the Horn of Africa. The U.S. raised concerns about Ethiopia’s involvement in Somalia’s internal matters, urging Ethiopia to reconsider its actions.

During the discussion, Foreign Minister Atske-Selassie expressed Ethiopia’s concerns over the planned withdrawal of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and stressed Ethiopia’s commitment to stabilizing the region. He also raised concerns about the ongoing activities of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), despite the peace agreement signed in Pretoria, and emphasized Ethiopia’s dedication to fully implementing the agreement.

The conversation also touched on Ethiopia’s desire to be reinstated into the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a U.S. trade program from which Ethiopia was suspended. However, Ambassador Hammer highlighted that stability in the Horn of Africa depends on Ethiopia ceasing its interference in Somalia.