Somaliland Deploys Commandos to Ethiopia for Training Amid Regional Tensions

by: Horn Observer Contributor | 12 July 2024 05:00

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Somaliland Deploys Commandos to Ethiopia for Training Amid Regional Tensions

HARGEYSA, Somaliland (HORN OBSERVER) – Somaliland announced the deployment of its first batch of approximately 8,000 commando forces to Ethiopia for training, marking the beginning of the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

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Gen Nuh Tani bid farewell to Somaliland commandos going for training at Wajale town.

HARGEYSA, Somaliland (HORN OBSERVER) – Somaliland announced the deployment of its first batch of approximately 8,000 commando forces to Ethiopia for training, marking the beginning of the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on January 1, 2024, between Hargeisa and Addis Ababa.

Somaliland's Chief of Defense Force, Gen. Nuh Ismail Tani, bid farewell to the initial contingent at the Wajale border town on Thursday.

A video clip posted online by Somaliland National Television showed the forces boarding buses and trucks near Wajale, where they were received by Ethiopian military officials.

#BreakingNews: Ethiopia is Going to Train 8000 Commandos for Somaliland.

The Ethiopian government has launched a large-scale training program for Somaliland armed forces, signaling a major shift in regional security dynamics. This follows a strategic MoU signed on January 1st… pic.twitter.com/ytOJKvTtoc
— Inside Africa (@inside_afric) July 11, 2024

This development occurs amidst reports that Djibouti, which neighbors Somaliland, has begun training forces for the Issa and Gadabursi clans in the Awdal region.

This move is seen as an effort to undermine the MOU between Somaliland and Ethiopia. The MOU, according to Somaliland and Ethiopian officials, includes provisions for Ethiopia to gain access to the Red Sea and establish a naval base there whereby Somaliland seeks recognition.

Djibouti recently closed Somaliland's diplomatic mission in Djibouti and welcomed leaders from the Awdal State Movement and SSC-Khaatumo, further straining relations between Hargeisa and Djibouti.

According to Somaliland military sources, the training program in Ethiopia aims to bolster Somaliland’s defense capabilities through advanced instruction in asymmetric warfare tactics, command and control, secure communication, weapons systems familiarity, and combat readiness.

Once the first batch completes its training, Somaliland plans to send a second group. The exact number of trainees remains undisclosed.