Mogadishu Somalia; In a recent interview with Al Jazeera, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud leveled serious accusations against Ethiopia, alleging that the neighboring country has unlawfully seized key areas in Somalia’s Gedo region, including major airports and critical roadways. According to President Mohamud, these actions are in clear violation of Somalia’s territorial sovereignty.
President Mohamud pointed out that despite formal agreements signed in Addis Ababa and Hargeisa, Ethiopia has not only expanded its military presence but has also imported significant quantities of weaponry into parts of Somalia. He expressed concern over Ethiopia’s alleged support for more than 1,000 militia fighters, including various tribal factions, which he claims are destabilizing the country’s southern regions.
The Somali president criticized Ethiopia’s justification that its actions are aimed at safeguarding Somalia’s security, stating that Ethiopia’s activities violate international laws. He underscored that Ethiopian-supplied weapons are now prevalent across southern Somalia, exacerbating the security challenges in those areas. President Mohamud questioned the legal basis of Ethiopia’s actions, emphasizing that the situation represents a breach of Somalia’s national sovereignty.
In a resolute response, President Mohamud reaffirmed that Somalia is prepared to defend itself against any further encroachments or military interventions by Ethiopia. His remarks suggest a potential escalation of tensions between the two countries, raising concerns about the broader implications for regional stability in the Horn of Africa.
This unfolding situation marks a critical juncture in Somali-Ethiopian relations, with both the international community and regional actors closely monitoring developments.