Ethiopia Denies Somalia’s Claims of Doolow Attack, Cites Spoilers of Peace

Ethiopia denies Somalia’s accusations of military aggression in Doolow, attributing the incident to destabilizing elements. Somalia condemned the attack, citing it as a violation of the Ankara Declaration. Ethiopia reaffirmed its commitment to peace and collaboration despite rising tensions in border areas.

Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has firmly denied allegations from Somalia accusing Ethiopian forces of attacking the town of Doolow. The Ministry labeled the claims as unfounded, suggesting that they originate from elements seeking to disrupt the peace efforts between the two nations. It further attributed the incident to “certain elements intent on destabilizing the Horn of Africa,” emphasizing the need to prevent individuals from obstructing the commitment to peace outlined in the Ankara Declaration.

The Somali government condemned what it characterized as a “blatant act of aggression” by Ethiopian troops, who allegedly conducted an unprovoked attack on bases belonging to the Somali National Army, the National Intelligence and Security Agency, and the Somali Police Force. Somalia expressed concerns regarding the timing of this incident, noting its disruption of ongoing peace initiatives and highlighting violations of the Ankara Declaration and broader regional principles.

In response to Somalia’s accusations, Ethiopia reiterated its determination to collaborate with Somalia’s federal authorities to forestall future incidents, emphasizing a commitment to enhancing bilateral relations within the framework of the Ankara Declaration. This statement followed Somalia’s announcement of a high-level diplomatic delegation dispatched to Addis Ababa to reinforce commitments to peace.

Reports from Doolow indicated clashes between Somali federal forces, regional troops from Jubaland, and Ethiopian patrols near key areas. Somalia warned that it would actively oppose any violations of its sovereignty, affirming its right to protect national interests against perceived aggression from Ethiopian forces.

Ethiopia underscored the foundational role of the Ankara Declaration in promoting peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. Both nations’ leaders have shown resolve in nurturing their bilateral ties and reinforcing their commitment to regional peace.

The diplomatic relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia has faced numerous challenges, particularly in light of recent claims of military aggression and border incidents. The Ankara Declaration represents an agreement aimed at fostering goodwill and collaboration between the two countries, particularly in addressing issues related to stability in the Horn of Africa. Recent tensions, highlighted by accusations of cross-border aggression, pose significant challenges to the commitments outlined in this declaration and have the potential to derail ongoing peace efforts in the region.

In summary, the ongoing tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, particularly surrounding the incident in Doolow, reflect deeper challenges in their bilateral relations. Both nations have expressed intentions to uphold the Ankara Declaration and work collaboratively toward peace. However, the accusations of aggression and ongoing clashes indicate that significant diplomatic and security challenges remain, necessitating robust engagement from both sides to achieve lasting stability in the region.

Original Source: addisstandard.com