Ethiopia vows to continue its military efforts against Al-Shabaab in Somalia, asserting its role in enhancing regional security, despite rising tensions with the Somali government. Somali officials have labeled Ethiopia as ‘hostile’ following disputes over sovereignty and territorial agreements with Somaliland, raising concerns of increased instability and militant activity in the Horn of Africa.
The government of Ethiopia has reiterated its commitment to combat Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding security achievements against the group. Nebiat Getachew, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, asserted that Ethiopia has been instrumental in curbing Al-Shabaab’s influence, thereby enhancing regional stability. “Al-Shabaab remains a concern for our national security… and efforts to counter it will continue in all circumstances to prevent it from becoming a threat,” he stated, underscoring the nation’s resolve. The relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia, according to Nebiat, is deeply interconnected, with Ethiopia’s strategic vision aimed at bolstering long-term regional integration. However, tensions have recently escalated following Somali Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur’s remarks branding Ethiopia as a ‘hostile’ nation. He has called for Ethiopia’s exclusion from the upcoming African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) slated for January 2025. The Somali government has expressed serious concerns regarding Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, which has been perceived as infringing upon Somalia’s sovereignty. This deal allows Somaliland access to the Red Sea, leading the Somali government to request the withdrawal of Ethiopian forces by December 2024. The diplomatic strain resulting from this situation has raised alarm within the international community, which fears that such disputes may exacerbate the Al-Shabaab uprising in the Horn of Africa region.
The ongoing conflict with Al-Shabaab, a militant group active in Somalia, presents significant security challenges for countries within the Horn of Africa, particularly Ethiopia and Somalia. Ethiopia has historically deployed troops in Somalia as part of various African Union missions aimed at stabilizing the region and combating extremist threats. Recent tensions, however, have emerged from Ethiopia’s agreements with the breakaway region of Somaliland, which claim to compromise Somalia’s national integrity. This backdrop elucidates the complexities in the relationships among the nations involved, especially concerning security cooperation and geopolitical ambitions.
Ethiopia remains firm in its anti-Al-Shabaab operations in Somalia amidst rising tensions with the Somali government. The Ethiopian administration maintains that its involvement is crucial for regional stability and the protection of national security. However, the accusations of territorial infringement and the diplomatic fallout underscore the fragility of relations between the two nations, potentially threatening collaborative efforts against the Al-Shabaab menace in the region.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
