Ethiopian forces have reportedly taken control of significant areas in Somalia’s Gedo region, including Luuq, Doolow, and Baardheere. This move comes amid reports that the Somali Federal Government plans to deploy Egyptian troops to areas near the Somali border.

The Ethiopian military’s actions have heightened tensions in the region, particularly among local militia groups who are mobilizing to resist the Ethiopian presence. The situation remains fluid, with Ethiopian troops expected to withdraw from Somalia by December 2024, when the African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) concludes its operation.

The African Union, Somalia, and the United Nations are currently planning a new peacekeeping mission led by the African Union to replace ATMIS. Somalia has indicated that it prefers Egyptian troops to be involved in the new mission instead of Ethiopian forces.

Tensions between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa have worsened since Ethiopia signed an agreement in January with the self-declared Republic of Somaliland. The agreement, which includes maritime access and the potential establishment of a military base, has been viewed by Somalia as a violation of its territorial integrity.