Somalia accused Ethiopian forces of attacking its troops in Doolow days after a peace agreement. The Somali Foreign Ministry reported fatalities from the assault, while Jubaland officials claimed the Ethiopian forces intervened to protect local politicians. This incident threatens a recent diplomatic deal mediated by Turkey aimed at resolving ongoing conflicts, with Somalia vowing to uphold its sovereignty against such violations.
On Monday, tensions escalated between Somalia and Ethiopia when Somali officials accused Ethiopian forces of launching a deadly assault on its troops in the border town of Doolow, just days after a diplomatic accord was signed to alleviate ongoing tensions. The Somali Foreign Ministry stated that Ethiopian troops attacked three military bases, resulting in fatalities, although specific numbers were not disclosed. In contrast, Jubaland state officials claimed that Ethiopian forces intervened to safeguard local politicians from an attack by Somali federal forces, which led to a violent confrontation that left Somalia’s federal troops disarmed and injured.
This clash arises amidst ongoing disputes between Somalia’s federal government and the semi-autonomous Jubaland, underscoring the fragility of the region’s stability. Local sources indicated that the conflict ignited when Somali federal forces received orders to engage an aircraft carrying Jubaland officials, resulting in a firefight that extended through the town. Additional local accounts portrayed Ethiopian troops as supporters of Jubaland forces amid heightened skirmishes between the two factions, culminating in superior positioning for the Jubaland aligned forces.
This incident poses a significant threat to a recent diplomatic agreement facilitated by Turkey, aimed at resolving a year-long conflict stemming from Ethiopia’s controversial leasing of coastal territory from Somaliland, a deal perceived by Somalia as a violation of its sovereignty. Despite earlier negotiations on December 12 between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Ankara, the Somali Foreign Ministry condemned the recent attacks as a violation of the Ankara Declaration.
Somalia’s government has explicitly stated that it will not tolerate breaches of its territorial integrity, signaling that the diplomatic efforts might be in jeopardy. The ongoing armed conflicts and political disagreements between federal and regional forces highlight the complexities facing both nations, illustrating the precarious balance of power in the region as they grapple with internal and external pressures.
The backdrop to this conflict involves a protracted dispute between the central Somali government and its semi-autonomous states, notably Jubaland, which has seen frequent clashes over territorial control and resources. This trend has been exacerbated by Ethiopia’s involvement in Somali affairs, especially regarding security issues linked to Islamist insurgents. Relations between Somalia and Ethiopia became particularly strained following Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland for a port and military base lease, which Somalia contended undermined its sovereignty. The recent diplomatic efforts, including a deal brokered by Turkey, were aimed at restoring some degree of cooperation between the nations but now face urgent challenges following this instability.
In summary, the clash between Somali and Ethiopian forces in Doolow not only reflects ongoing regional tensions but also threatens the fragile diplomatic accord recently achieved between the two nations. The Somali government’s announcement of its intent to remain vigilant against perceived violations signifies a potential escalation in conflicts that could destabilize the region further. The underlying issues stemming from previous disputes will require careful navigation to avoid further disruptions to peace efforts.
Original Source: thedefensepost.com
