Somalia has warned Ethiopia amid rising tensions, declaring its readiness to defend against what it sees as territorial threats from Ethiopia’s alliance with Somaliland. Senior Somali officials stress the desire for peace but warn of consequences should Ethiopia act aggressively. The Ethiopian military has dismissed Somali military capabilities, fueling an already tense standoff over sovereignty and territorial rights in the region.
MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Somali government has issued a firm warning to Ethiopia in light of escalating tensions, rejecting threats tied to Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland. Somalia asserts its readiness to respond to any actions from Addis Ababa that jeopardize its military or civilian welfare, emphasizing the importance of peaceful coexistence. Ethiopia has, for its part, failed to acknowledge its perceived infringement on Somalia’s sovereignty, having formalized an arrangement with the secessionist region of Somaliland to secure access to the Red Sea without seeking the consent of Mogadishu. Somalia’s Defence Minister, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, condemned Ethiopia’s stance, insisting that Somalia would not yield to intimidation. He remarked, “We want a peaceful and neighborly coexistence between Somalia and Ethiopia. However, if Abiy’s and Jula’s fragile regime cannot embrace peace, let those who stoke the flames of fear and conflict see who is willing to face the fire and consume the raw meat.” These statements were made in response to Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, leader of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), who dismissed Somalia’s military capability, asserting that President Hassan Sheikh must ensure the security of Mogadishu before contemplating any military confrontation. Jula stated, “Hassan Sheikh is not capable of fighting. He must first secure Mogadishu before he can even consider confronting us. He should first secure his seat.” In a previous statement, Somalia had suggested that it might support Ethiopian rebels to undermine Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government, a move Jula responded to by proclaiming that Ethiopia has loyal allies within Somalia who would counteract such efforts. He denounced any internal support for rebels, labeling those individuals as traitors. Moreover, Ethiopia is pursuing a strategic initiative to secure a 20-kilometer stretch of coastline on the Red Sea for establishing a military base and port, hoping to gain recognition of Somaliland as an independent state in return. Somalia has condemned these actions as “intolerable and unacceptable.”
The ongoing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia can be traced back to Ethiopia’s dealings with Somaliland, an autonomous region that declared independence unilaterally in the 1990s. The Ethiopian government has strategically aligned itself with this region to facilitate its access to the Red Sea, which has significant military and economic implications. Somalia perceives this alliance as a threat to its territorial integrity and sovereignty, further complicating relations between the two neighboring countries. The militaristic rhetoric from both sides reflects the precarious balance of power and the deep-rooted historical grievances that characterize their relationship. Ethiopian leaders argue that Somalia’s government lacks stability, while Somali officials are adamant about defending their nation’s sovereignty and are prepared to respond to any perceived aggression from Ethiopia.
In summary, the tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia have intensified following Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland. Somalia remains steadfast in its commitment to defending its sovereignty and has signaled its readiness to respond to any threats. The Ethiopian military leadership has dismissed Somalia’s military strength while asserting their alliances within the region. As both nations navigate this fraught situation, the potential for escalation remains a significant concern that could impact regional stability.
Original Source: garoweonline.com
