U.S. Raises Alarm Over Al-Shabaab’s Resurgence Amid…

U.S. officials express concern over the Somalia-Ethiopia conflict’s impact on anti-Al-Shabaab operations. Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland has raised tensions, prompting Somalia to ally with Egypt. This shift has enabled Al-Shabaab to regain strength, as Somalia reduces military operations against the group, resulting in recent attacks on military bases.

In recent developments, senior officials in the United States have expressed concerns regarding the escalation of tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, particularly in relation to access to the Red Sea. This conflict has consumed the attention of the Somali government over the past nine months, particularly since Ethiopia declared its intentions to occupy the area. Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, a self-declared autonomous region of Somalia, involves the construction of a military base and port along the Red Sea, prompting accusations from Somalia of territorial annexation and infringement on its sovereignty. In response, Somalia has bolstered its military alliances, notably signing an agreement with Egypt, exacerbating the situation in the Horn of Africa. The U.S. administration has reportedly noted that the Somali government’s preoccupation with bilateral tensions has allowed the militant group Al-Shabaab to recover lost ground, posing a direct threat to regional stability. Prior to this conflict, significant military operations had been underway against Al-Shabaab, resulting in the loss of key territories for the group and a substantial number of militants either killed or surrendering. The ongoing conflict has led to Somalia scaling back its military operations against Al-Shabaab, with U.S. officials indicating that this shift is directly rooted in the deteriorating relations with Ethiopia. For instance, planned operations in southern Somalia against Al-Shabaab have faced delays, allowing the group to reinforce its capabilities and resume attacks on military installations, including recent assaults targeting bases operated by Ethiopian forces. Additionally, the involvement of Egypt, which has expressed frustrations over Ethiopia’s construction of the Grand Renaissance Dam, complicates the dynamics further. Egypt has recently delivered military supplies to Somalia but has raised questions in the international community regarding its intentions in regional stabilization efforts. Somalia’s leadership has recognized the consequences of Ethiopia’s ambitions and the potential risks of empowering Al-Shabaab anew. The implications of these geopolitical maneuvers are profound, as they not only threaten Somalia’s territorial integrity but also the broader fight against extremist factions in the region.

The escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia have given rise to significant concerns about security and governance in East Africa. This conflict has its roots in Ethiopia’s arrangement with Somaliland, viewed by Somalia as an infringement of its sovereignty. The Somali government, which had been steadily making gains against extremist groups like Al-Shabaab, is now finding its focus diverted due to these external distractions. The United States, along with its allies, is closely monitoring the situation, fearing that a resurgence of Al-Shabaab could destabilize the region further amidst these political upheavals.

In conclusion, the conflict between Somalia and Ethiopia over Red Sea access has critical implications for regional security, allowing Al-Shabaab to regain ground amidst the distraction. U.S. officials highlight the urgent need for Somalia to refocus on counterterrorism efforts. The involvement of Egypt is seen as a double-edged sword, which may bring additional military resources to the Somali government but also complicates the intricacies of the current conflict. Immediate attention to the emerging threats from Al-Shabaab is necessitated to prevent the further deterioration of gains previously achieved in the fight against terrorism.

Original Source: www.garoweonline.com