Ethiopia backs new peacekeeping force in Somalia

Ethiopia announced on Friday its collaboration with a new African Union force to combat the Al-Shabaab Islamist insurgents in Somalia. This development follows a reconciliation last month between Ethiopia and Somalia, facilitated by Turkey, after tensions over Ethiopia's maritime deal with Somaliland. The Ethiopian Defense Minister, Aisha Mohammed, visited Somalia on Thursday to meet President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, conveying a message from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The AU force is expected to deploy later this month.