At the UN, Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre accused Ethiopia of violating Somalia’s territorial integrity after Addis Ababa announced plans to lease coastal territory in Somaliland. This has raised alarm in Mogadishu, leading to threats against Ethiopian troops and military cooperation with Cairo. Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister rejected the accusations, labeling them as distractions from Somalia’s internal issues.
During a speech at the United Nations, Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre vehemently criticized Ethiopia for actions deemed to severely violate Somalia’s territorial integrity. This assertion follows Ethiopia’s recent announcement regarding its intent to lease a coastal area from the self-declared independent region of Somaliland, which has been a contentious issue since its declaration of independence in 1991. Prime Minister Barre noted the precarious situation Somalia faces, stating, “Somalia currently faces a serious threat from Ethiopia’s recent actions which flagrantly violate our territorial integrity.” He emphasized that Ethiopia’s efforts to secure sea access through this lease are “both unlawful and unnecessary.” In contrast, Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Taye Atske Selassie, dismissed these allegations, suggesting that similar agreements have occurred elsewhere and accusing Somalia of provoking hostility to distract from its internal political issues. In response to Ethiopia’s plan, which has raised tensions in the region, Somalia has threatened to expel Ethiopian troops who have been a part of the African Union mission against terrorism since 2007. Furthermore, Somalia has established military cooperation with Cairo, sparking concerns in Ethiopia regarding the potential diversion of arms to militant groups, particularly Al-Shabaab. As the African Union mission is set to undergo significant changes at the end of the year, Egypt has proposed taking over the Ethiopian troops’ responsibilities. There are also discussions surrounding the possible expulsion of Ethiopian forces stationed along the border as a measure against militant incursions.
The current geopolitical tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia have historical roots, particularly concerning the status of Somaliland, a region that has experienced a long-standing quest for independence since 1991. Ethiopia, a landlocked nation, has been pursuing access to maritime resources, leading to its controversial plans to build a naval base and establish a commercial port in Somaliland, which Somalia claims as its territory. This announcement has escalated hostilities and has led Somali leadership to express grave concerns over territorial integrity, especially in light of ongoing internal conflicts fueled by extremist groups like Al-Shabaab.
In summary, the relationship between Somalia and Ethiopia is increasingly strained due to Ethiopia’s unilateral actions in Somaliland, with Somalia’s leadership asserting that such actions constitute a violation of its territorial integrity. The diplomatic tensions are further complicated by Somalia’s military dealings with Egypt and the potential withdrawal of Ethiopian troops from its territory, all of which could significantly impact regional stability and security.
Original Source: www.bssnews.net
