Ethiopia’s Prime Minister issued a warning against invasion amidst rising tensions with Somalia and Egypt. Concerns have escalated due to Ethiopia’s military pact with Somaliland and the ongoing dispute related to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. The regional dynamics have led to military collaborations that heighten the risk of conflict, while Ethiopia asserts its readiness to defend its sovereignty.
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has issued a stern warning to those contemplating an invasion of Ethiopia, advising they should think “10 times” before proceeding with any hostile actions. His remarks, although not targeted at a specific nation, coincide with escalating tensions with neighboring countries, particularly Somalia and Egypt, amid strategic military maneuvers in the region.
The Somali government has accused Ethiopia of aggression following a maritime agreement between Ethiopia and the self-declared republic of Somaliland, a territory that Somalia claims as its own. Somalia’s response has included strengthening military collaborations with Egypt, igniting further regional discord as Egypt faces its own protracted dispute with Ethiopia concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile.
Abiy Ahmed’s statements came during a televised address on Ethiopia’s Sovereignty Day, where he asserted the nation’s commitment to defense while emphasizing that the country does not seek conflict. He expressed confidence in Ethiopia’s defensive capabilities, stating, “we usually embarrass and repel those who dare try to invade us.”
The situation intensified after reports indicated Egypt was sending troops to Somalia following a recent military pact. With plans to dispatch up to 5,000 soldiers to an African Union (AU) force in Somalia, Egypt’s military involvement represents a significant escalation. The AU force has been in Somalia since 2007, assisting the government against the al-Shabab insurgency.
Egypt’s concerns about Ethiopia’s dam construction have fueled the tensions further, given that the GERD is vital for Ethiopia’s energy needs but poses a potential risk to Egypt’s water supply from the Nile. Ethiopia’s collaboration with Somaliland, involving access to a port, has particularly aggravated the relations with Somalia, which has expressed anger over the deal.
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister has made clear that the nation is prepared to defend itself against any potential invasion, particularly as tensions rise with regional neighbors Somalia and Egypt. The situation is complicated further by military alliances forming in the region and longstanding disputes over resources like the Nile River. With Ethiopia engaged in significant diplomatic and military maneuvering, the regional landscape remains tense as all parties navigate their interests.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
