Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Taye Atske has dismissed Somalia’s allegations against Ethiopia as unfounded and a cover for its internal political issues. He emphasized that the controversial agreement with Somaliland is designed for regional cooperation and urged Somalia to focus on terrorism rather than territorial disputes. The situation is complicated by Egypt’s military assistance to Somalia, which Ethiopia views as a destabilizing factor.
In a recent address at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Taye Atske, declared that the allegations made by Somalia against Ethiopia are without foundation. He criticized Somalia’s campaign, which he described as an unfair and inappropriate offensive rooted in misinformation. Minister Atske emphasized that Somalia’s accusations are an attempt to distract from internal political issues by inciting hostility towards Ethiopia. The contentious agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which aims to facilitate shared growth in the region by granting Ethiopia access to the Red Sea for a military base and port, has been a point of tension with Somalia. Atske explained that this agreement conforms to existing political arrangements in Somalia and is not unique, as other nations have entered into similar pacts. “I, therefore, reject the baseless allegations leveled against my country,” Ambassador Taye asserted, reinforcing that Ethiopia should not be associated with these accusations. He urged Somalia to redirect its focus from inter-state disputes to addressing terrorism, advocating for regional collaboration in combating terrorist factions threatening stability. This diplomatic conflict has been exacerbated by Egypt’s recent military support to Somalia, which includes heavy artillery and armored vehicles, part of a defense agreement from August 2024. Ethiopia has expressed concerns regarding these developments, interpreting them as a significant risk to the regional balance of power. During the General Assembly, Somalia’s Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, countered Ethiopia’s claims, alleging that Ethiopian actions constitute a violation of Somali territorial integrity, framing their pursuit of Red Sea access as unlawful. Minister Taye concluded by urging external actors like Egypt to cease what he calls reckless actions, appealing for acknowledgment of the risks these maneuvers pose to regional stability. The disagreements between Ethiopia and Somalia unveil a complex diplomatic landscape punctuated by territorial claims, security concerns, and external influences that demand careful navigation to ensure peace and cooperation in the Horn of Africa.
The ongoing tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia appear to stem from a combination of territorial disputes and regional power dynamics. The agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland highlights crucial points of contention, especially concerning access to the Red Sea, which Ethiopia seeks in exchange for recognizing Somaliland’s claim for sovereignty. These developments must be contextualized within the broader regional politics of the Horn of Africa, where external actors, notably Egypt, can significantly influence the power balance. Somalia’s accusations against Ethiopia also reflect internal struggles, as the country grapples with various security threats, including terrorism, which exacerbates the precarious nature of inter-state relations.
In summary, the diplomatic friction between Ethiopia and Somalia underscores critical geopolitical challenges, including territorial disputes and the involvement of external powers like Egypt. While Ethiopia refutes Somalia’s allegations regarding territorial violations, it highlights the need for collaborative regional efforts to combat terrorism. As accusations continue to escalate, the international community must recognize the potential threats these tensions pose to stability in the region.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
