Ethiopia Rejects Somalia’s Allegations Amid Growing Tensions over Somaliland Agreement
Ethiopia’s FM, Taye Atske, decries Somalia’s allegations as baseless and rooted in misinformation following a contentious agreement with Somaliland. While intending to foster regional cooperation, tensions escalate as Somalia accuses Ethiopia of violating its territorial integrity, compounded by Egypt’s military aid to Somalia.
Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Taye Atske, has declared Somalia’s accusations against Ethiopia unfounded and rooted in misinformation. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Minister Atske criticized Somalia for what he termed an unfair international campaign targeting Ethiopia regarding a recent agreement with Somaliland, asserting that Somalia is attempting to deflect attention from its internal challenges by inciting hostility towards Ethiopia. The foreign minister affirmed that the agreement with Somaliland aligns with the existing political framework in Somalia and seeks to foster mutual growth and prosperity within the region. He refuted Somalia’s claims, declaring, “I, therefore, reject the baseless allegations leveled against my country,” emphasizing that Ethiopia is not linked to the accusations. The agreement, which would grant Ethiopia a 20-kilometer access route to the Red Sea for military and port development, has not been well-received by the Somali government. Further complicating relations, Egypt has recently delivered military aid, including heavy artillery and armored vehicles to Somalia, as part of a defense pact signed earlier. Taye Atske called on Somalia to focus its efforts on combating terrorism rather than furthering political disputes with Ethiopia. Minister Atske’s comments came in response to Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, who accused Ethiopia of violating Somalia’s territorial integrity through its agreements with Somaliland, stating that Ethiopia’s actions are unlawful. In closing, Atske urged external entities, particularly Egypt, to stop what he described as reckless actions contributing to regional instability, advocating for a unified approach to combat terrorism and preserve peace.
The backdrop to this diplomatic tension involves a controversial agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which is a self-declared republic seeking independence from Somalia. The agreement reportedly involves Ethiopia gaining strategic access to the Red Sea, which has significant military and economic implications. This development has raised alarms in Somalia, which views it as a potential infringement on its territorial integrity. Additionally, the recent military aid shipment from Egypt to Somalia, part of a defense collaboration, has heightened concerns in both Ethiopia and Somaliland regarding regional security dynamics.
In summary, Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister has firmly rejected Somalia’s accusations regarding a territorial violation stemming from the controversial agreement with Somaliland. While Ethiopia seeks to strengthen its strategic position in the Red Sea through this agreement, Somalia perceives these actions as a threat to its sovereignty. Moving forward, the Minister has called for collaboration in combating terrorism rather than escalating hostilities, amidst rising tensions with both Somalia and external military involvement from Egypt.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
