Baidoa (WDN)– Ethiopia is training the largest contingent of troops for the Southwest regional administration, where its forces are currently part of the African Union peacekeeping mission.

Southwest President Abdilaziz Hassan Mohamed (Lafta-gareen) has inspected the ongoing training at an Ethiopian military camp. He commended Ethiopian officials for providing high-level training to the Southwest Special Police Forces.

Following a recent agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia, the Somali government initially declared that Ethiopia would no longer be part of the African Union (AU) peacekeeping forces in Somalia. However, after diplomatic intervention by the Turkish government, which helped  to bridge the divide between the two nations, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has shifted his stance on the presence of Ethiopian troops in Somalia. This development marks a significant change in Somalia’s position, highlighting the role of Ethiopian troops in Somalia.

Meanwhile, Ethiopian troops in Somalia conducted a large-scale military drill in Baidoa on March 3, 2025, commemorating the “Adwa Victory” and highlighting their presence in the region.

Baidoa, the Interim Southwest capital, remains heavily reliant on Ethiopian military support, with Ethiopian forces stationed at the presidential palace, airport, and other key locations.

WardheerNews