Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Taye Atske, refuted Somalia’s allegations regarding an agreement with Somaliland, characterizing them as unfounded and rooted in misinformation. He emphasized that the agreement aims to promote regional prosperity and called for cooperation against terrorism, while addressing concerns over external military involvement in the region.
Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Taye Atske, has expressed strong disapproval of Somalia’s allegations regarding Ethiopia’s recent agreement with Somaliland. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Minister Atske characterized Somalia’s claims as “unfounded” and asserted that they stem from “misinformation.” He argued that Somalia is leveraging these accusations to divert attention from its internal political challenges while inciting hostility toward Ethiopia. Minister Atske clarified that the agreement with Somaliland is established within the framework of the existing political structure in Somalia and seeks to foster “shared growth and prosperity in the region.” He emphasized that similar agreements have been signed by other nations without controversy. Furthermore, he firmly denied any association of Ethiopia with the allegations made against it, stating, “Ethiopia’s name can never be associated with any of these accusations.” The contentious agreement would grant Ethiopia access to the Red Sea, including the construction of a military base and a port, in exchange for recognizing Somaliland’s sovereignty, a proposal that has provoked Somalia’s dissatisfaction. Adding to the complexity, Egypt has recently delivered its second shipment of military aid to Somalia, which includes heavy artillery and armored vehicles as part of a defense agreement signed between Egypt and Somalia in August 2024. This has generated concerns within Ethiopia and Somaliland regarding regional security. Minister Atske urged Somalia to concentrate on combating terrorism in the region and to work collaboratively to eliminate the groups causing chaos and instability. These remarks came in response to Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, who accused Ethiopia of violating Somalia’s territorial integrity. The Prime Minister stated, “Ethiopia’s attempt to annex part of Somalia under the guise of securing sea access is both unlawful and unnecessary.” In addressing external involvement, Minister Atske requested that foreign actors, such as Egypt, “immediately cease their reckless actions” and urged the international community to recognize the dangers posed by such engagements.
The tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia have escalated due to Ethiopia’s recent strategic agreement with Somaliland. This agreement, which proposes a military and economic partnership granting Ethiopia access to the Red Sea, has been met with vehement opposition from Somalia, which views it as a threat to its territorial integrity. The situation is further complicated by Egypt’s military support to Somalia amidst these tensions, highlighting the regional dynamics at play. Ethiopia’s response underscores its stance on the agreement, aiming to convey that its actions are legitimate under international frameworks despite Somalia’s allegations.
In conclusion, Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister has dismissed Somalia’s allegations as baseless and maintains that the agreement with Somaliland is aimed at fostering regional growth. The ongoing military support from Egypt to Somalia adds to the complexities of the situation, calling for greater regional cooperation to combat terrorism and address security concerns. The discourse highlights the intricate diplomatic balance and the need for constructive engagement among the involved parties.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
