Somalia Accuses Ethiopia of Violating Territorial Integrity Amid Escalating Tensions

Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has condemned Ethiopia’s actions in Somaliland, claiming they violate Somalia’s territorial integrity. Ethiopia has announced plans to lease land in Somaliland for a naval base, escalating tensions further. Somalia threatened to remove Ethiopian troops involved in peacekeeping while deepening military ties with Egypt, leading to heightened concerns in the region.

On September 28, 2024, during a session at the United Nations General Assembly, Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre accused Ethiopia of actions that “flagrantly violate” Somalia’s territorial integrity following Ethiopia’s recent announcement to lease a segment of coastline from the self-declared independent region of Somaliland. This region has heightened its alert since January when Ethiopia expressed intentions to construct a naval base and a commercial port there. Ethiopia, a landlocked nation, has long sought direct access to the sea; however, Somalia, which does not acknowledge Somaliland’s independence declared in 1991, fiercely opposes this move. Prime Minister Barre stated, “Somalia currently faces a serious threat from Ethiopia’s recent actions which flagrantly violate our territorial integrity,” further asserting that Ethiopia’s maneuvers are both “unlawful and unnecessary”. In response, Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Taye Atske Selassie defended the actions, noting, “Similar agreements have been concluded by other states, and there is no reason for the government of Somalia to incite hostility that obviously intends to cover internal political tensions.” Somalia has retaliated against Ethiopia’s plans by threatening the expulsion of Ethiopian troops who have been part of an African Union mission combating Al-Shabaab insurgents since 2007. In a significant move, Somalia signed a military arrangement with Egypt, receiving arms shipments which have raised concerns in Ethiopia that these weapons could be seized by Al-Shabaab. The mandate for the African Union mission is poised for reevaluation at the year’s end, with Egypt proposing to replace Ethiopian troops for the first time. Additionally, Somalia may compel Ethiopia to withdraw approximately 10,000 troops stationed along the common border to hinder terrorist incursions.

The ongoing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia are significantly rooted in the complexities surrounding Somaliland’s self-declared independence, which has been a contentious issue since 1991. Somalia regards Somaliland as part of its territory, yet Somaliland operates with a degree of autonomy. Ethiopia’s geopolitical aspirations, seeking access to the sea, have led it to initiate agreements concerning Somaliland, further complicating relations with Somalia. The military presence of Ethiopian troops in Somalia, linked to efforts against Al-Shabaab, adds another layer of complexity to the situation, especially as Somalia engages in new military alliances that threaten to shift the balance of power in the region.

In summary, the recent developments highlight escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, with Somalia firmly opposing Ethiopian actions in Somaliland and considering military responses. Prime Minister Barre’s statements reflect the gravity of the situation, underlining claims of violation of territorial integrity. Ethiopia’s defense of its actions, coupled with Somalia’s shift in diplomatic alliances, signals a potential reconfiguration of military dynamics in the Horn of Africa as both nations confront their internal and external challenges.

Original Source: www.bssnews.net