Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Warns Against Invasion as Regional Tensions Escalate
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, cautioned against potential invasions of Ethiopia amid rising regional tensions with Somalia and Egypt. Somalia challenged Ethiopia’s maritime agreement with Somaliland, leading to stronger military ties with Egypt. Meanwhile, Egypt’s concerns about the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam further complicate relations. Abiy Ahmed emphasized Ethiopia’s defense capabilities in a recent address.
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, issued a stern warning against any potential invasion of his country, urging that such intrusions would be met with a determined defense. His comments were made amidst escalating regional tensions, particularly with Somalia and Egypt. Although the warning was not directed at a specific nation, the context suggests a response to recent developments involving military cooperation between Somalia and Egypt.
The backdrop of this warning includes Somalia’s critique of a maritime agreement Ethiopia signed with Somaliland, a region that broke away from Somalia over 30 years ago. Somalia perceives this agreement as a provocative act and has strengthened its military ties with Egypt in response. Ethiopia’s strategic access to Somaliland’s port has further exacerbated tensions, as it seeks to leverage this relationship.
Egypt remains embroiled in a prolonged dispute with Ethiopia regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which Ethiopia is constructing on the Nile River tributary. Egypt’s concerns revolve around its vital water supply from the Nile, prompting actions that may see Egyptian troops dispatched to Somalia amidst growing military partnerships in the region.
In a recent address on Ethiopia’s Sovereignty Day, Mr. Abiy emphasized the nation’s commitment to self-defense, stating that those considering an invasion should reconsider their intentions thoroughly. He asserted, “Anyone intending to invade Ethiopia should think not just once but 10 times because one great thing we Ethiopians know is [how] to defend ourselves.”
The situation intensified further last month, with Egypt reportedly planning to deploy thousands of soldiers to Somalia under the guise of supporting the African Union (AU) mission, which has been engaged in combating al-Shabab insurgents since 2007. Ethiopia has previously contributed troops to this force but is facing withdrawal demands next year, altering the military landscape in the region significantly.
In summary, tensions between Ethiopia, Somalia, and Egypt are escalating due to military alliances and territorial disputes. Abiy Ahmed’s statements serve as a clear warning against potential invasions, reinforcing Ethiopia’s readiness to defend its sovereignty. The geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa remain complex, with the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam dispute further complicating relations. Enhanced military ties between Somalia and Egypt pose new challenges for regional stability.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
