MOGADISHU, Somalia — Lawmakers from Somalia’s federal parliament have accused Ethiopian troops serving under the African Union peacekeeping mission of interfering in local political affairs in Buurhakaba district in the country’s South West state.
In a letter dated Feb. 27 and addressed to the leadership of the African Union, three members of parliament representing Buurhakaba alleged that Ethiopian forces operating in Sector 3 were exerting pressure on the district administration and involving themselves in local political matters.
The lawmakers said the troops had strayed from their core mandate of maintaining security and instead engaged in what they described as direct political interference.
They warned that such actions risk undermining public confidence in the African Union mission and could further destabilize an already fragile security and political situation in the area.
“Security forces mandated to protect civilians and stabilize the country should not be part of shaping political direction,” the lawmakers wrote.
The letter also referenced the 2018 South West state elections, when Ethiopian forces were accused of involvement in the arrest of presidential candidate Mukhtar Robow, an incident that sparked controversy and protests at the time.
The lawmakers also expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in Buurhakaba, citing what they described as a blockade of the district, disruptions to civilian and humanitarian flights, and severe drought conditions that have led to widespread water shortages.
There was no immediate response from Ethiopian authorities or the African Union mission over the allegations.