Somalia accused Ethiopian forces of attacking its troops at a border airstrip in Doolow, shortly after a peace deal was signed to ease tensions. The Somali foreign ministry reported casualties, while Jubaland officials stated that Ethiopian troops intervened to defend local politicians. The clash threatens recent diplomatic agreements and highlights ongoing instability between the two nations.
On Monday, Somalia accused Ethiopian forces of a deadly assault on its troops stationed at an airstrip in the border town of Doolow, shortly after the two nations had signed a peace accord aimed at alleviating ongoing tensions. The Somali foreign ministry reported an attack on three military bases that resulted in casualties, though specific numbers were not disclosed. In contrast, officials from Jubaland state claimed that Ethiopian troops were protecting local politicians when conflict erupted. The situation deteriorated following directives to engage an aircraft with a Jubaland delegation, leading to clashes between federal and pro-Jubaland forces, with Ethiopian troops intervening on the side of the latter. This incident jeopardizes a recently brokered agreement intended to resolve long-standing disputes between Somalia and Ethiopia, particularly one validated by leaders of both nations in Ankara. The Somali foreign ministry condemned the actions of Ethiopian forces, asserting that they contradict the resolution efforts undertaken in the recent deal and issuing a warning against further violations of Somalia’s sovereignty.
The strained relationship between Somalia and Ethiopia has persisted, exacerbated by both territorial disputes and conflicting interests within different regions of Somalia. Misalignments arose following an agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, which raised sovereignty concerns for the Federal Government of Somalia. The situation escalated into a diplomatic crisis and military tensions, leading to intervention from various regional actors. The recent deal brokered by Turkey was seen as a pivotal step towards reconciliation, making the recent clashes particularly detrimental to ongoing peace efforts.
In summary, the violent clash between Somali and Ethiopian forces underscores the fragility of the recent peace agreement aimed at resolving historical grievances. The implications of this incident extend beyond immediate military conflict, as it jeopardizes diplomatic relations that were slowly mending through international mediation. The Somali government’s firm stance on sovereignty violations reiterates the seriousness of the situation, highlighting the urgent need for resolution and dialogue to prevent further deterioration of peace in the region.
Original Source: thedefensepost.com
