Ethiopia has refuted Somalia’s claims of a military attack in Doolow, blaming destabilizing forces for the incident. Somalia accused Ethiopia of aggression towards its security forces, escalating concerns over sovereignty violations amidst ongoing peace initiatives. Ethiopia pledged to collaborate with Somalia to prevent future conflicts, emphasizing their commitment to the Ankara Declaration.
Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has publicly rejected Somalia’s allegations regarding an incident in Doolow, asserting that the claims of Ethiopian military involvement are unfounded. The ministry described the situation as a consequence of actions taken by certain disruptive forces seeking to destabilize the progress made in the bilateral ties between the two nations. Ethiopia condemned these “perennial spoilers of peace” for attempting to hinder the commitment between Ethiopia and Somalia, reflecting their agreement articulated in the Ankara Declaration.
The accusation arose when Somalia referred to what it characterized as an unprovoked assault by Ethiopian forces on the bases of the Somali National Army and the Somali Police Force, resulting in casualties. The Somali government emphasized that such actions violate regional agreements and raised concerns over their timing, given the concurrent peace initiatives.
In its statement, Ethiopia reiterated its determination to collaborate closely with Somalia’s federal government to avert future conflicts and to strengthen their existing relations as pledged in the Ankara Declaration. This assertion from Ethiopia follows Somalia’s declaration that a high-level diplomatic mission had been dispatched to reaffirm commitments stemming from the Declaration. Reports from Doolow described confrontations involving Somali armed forces and Ethiopian patrols, with Somalia cautioning against any further violations of its territorial sovereignty.
The relations between Ethiopia and Somalia have been historically complex, often marked by tension but recently guided by endeavors towards normalization and collaboration. The Ankara Declaration, signed to foster peace and cooperation, represents a significant step in addressing mutual concerns and enhancing bilateral relations in the Horn of Africa. Both nations have expressed a commitment to peace and stability in the region, although there are persistent challenges, such as cross-border skirmishes and political tensions, that threaten this progress.
In summary, Ethiopia has denied Somalia’s accusations of military aggression in Doolow, attributing the incident to disruptive elements intent on destabilizing progress between the two nations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to reinforcing relations under the Ankara Declaration while expressing concerns regarding the implications of Somalia’s allegations. As tensions continue to pose challenges, diplomatic efforts remain crucial for fostering peace in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
