The United States has voiced concerns that the conflict between Somalia and Ethiopia is detracting from Somalia’s operations against Al-Shabaab. Ethiopia’s recent agreement with Somaliland to establish a military base has exacerbated tensions, prompting Somalia to sign a military agreement with Egypt. These developments contribute to a resurgence of Al-Shabaab, as the Somali military has reduced its focus on combatting the group amidst these regional conflicts.
Senior officials from the United States have expressed concern regarding the ongoing conflict between Somalia and Ethiopia, specifically over access to the Red Sea, which has consumed the attention of Mogadishu for the past nine months. Ethiopia has purportedly made public its intentions to occupy a strategic area through a deal with Somaliland, a secessionist region of Somalia. This agreement would potentially grant Ethiopia a 20-kilometer stretch of the Red Sea to establish a military base and port, provided that Somaliland receives recognition as a sovereign state. As a result, Somalia has reacted with anger, accusing Ethiopia of territorial annexation and violations of its sovereignty. In response, Somalia entered a military pact with Egypt, intensifying regional tensions within the Horn of Africa. American officials and their international counterparts are increasingly worried that this conflict has diverted Somalia’s focus, enabling the militant group Al-Shabaab to regain lost territory and momentum. Before the escalation of these tensions, the Somali government had declared an unabated war against Al-Shabaab militants, achieving notable successes over two years which included reclaiming territory in the central and southern regions. During this timeframe, Somali military operations led to significant casualties among militants, while many others surrendered to the government. Somalia also managed to disrupt various income sources for Al-Shabaab, severely impairing the group’s operational capabilities. However, these accomplishments are now jeopardized amid the escalating disputes in the region. Egypt’s involvement, particularly its recent delivery of advanced military supplies to Somalia, raises additional concerns regarding the dynamics of the conflict. Despite historic cooperation between Somalia and Ethiopia in peacekeeping, Somalia has reiterated its desire for Ethiopian forces to withdraw, asserting that they are unwelcome. Some regional nations, like Uganda, have expressed skepticism toward Egypt’s growing role in Somalia’s affairs, particularly given Egypt’s prior absence from stabilization efforts. Recently, Somalia has lessened its operations against Al-Shabaab, which has resumed attacks targeting military installations, including an assault on a base manned by the Ethiopian National Defense Forces. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud acknowledged the adverse effects of Ethiopia’s territorial ambitions on the efforts to combat Al-Shabaab, stating that such developments could lead to the resurgence of the militant group, which had previously been losing ground.
The article examines the implications of the strained relations between Somalia and Ethiopia, particularly in the context of a deal involving Somaliland that could grant military access to Ethiopia. The situation has arisen amidst Somalia’s concerns over its territorial integrity and sovereignty. The article underscores the shift in focus of the Somali government from countering Al-Shabaab to managing the conflict with Ethiopia, highlighting a potential resurgence of the militant group as a result of this preoccupation. This situation is further complicated by military alliances forming in the region, notably between Somalia and Egypt, against the backdrop of Ethiopia’s historical role in peacekeeping operations. The ramifications of these developments continue to evolve within the Horn of Africa, affecting the stability of the region.
The ongoing conflict between Somalia and Ethiopia has shifted Somalia’s military focus away from combatting Al-Shabaab, allowing the militant group to regain influence and territory. Despite previous successes against Al-Shabaab, the new engagements and military agreements, particularly with Egypt, complicate the landscape of regional security. The commitment to addressing internal conflicts has raised concerns that Somalia may face renewed challenges from Al-Shabaab as it grapples with Ethiopian ambitions in the region. The dynamics in the Horn of Africa remain precarious as various nations navigate their interests amid these tensions.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
