Somalia accused Ethiopian forces of attacking its troops in Doolow, jeopardizing a recent peace agreement aimed at resolving tensions. Jubaland officials disclosed that Ethiopian military had intervened during a conflict spurred by federal forces, which international observers noted as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty. This incident threatens to unravel diplomatic progress made in December between the two nations.
On Monday, Somalia accused Ethiopian military forces of launching a deadly attack on Somali troops stationed in the border town of Doolow, just days after the two nations had signed an agreement aimed at resolving longstanding tensions. The incident occurred at approximately 10:00 am, targeting three bases supporting military and security personnel, resulting in unspecified fatalities. The Somali foreign ministry condemned the attack as a violation of their sovereignty.
Officials from Jubaland state claimed that Ethiopian troops were present to protect local politicians when the clash erupted. The security minister of Jubaland, Yusuf Hussein Osman, stated that federal Somali forces were instructed to fire upon an aircraft carrying a delegation from Jubaland, inciting further conflict. Eyewitness accounts indicate that pro-Jubaland forces and Somali government troops exchanged fire, with the Ethiopian contingent intervening in support of Jubaland.
The clash comes amidst a backdrop of rising tensions within Somalia, where the federal government has had ongoing disputes with the semi-autonomous Jubaland region. This incident jeopardizes a recently brokered agreement by Turkey, which sought to address tensions that have simmered since January when Ethiopia initiated a controversial leasing arrangement with Somaliland for port usage. Although efforts seemed fruitful after a December meeting between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the clashes in Doolow threaten to unravel these diplomatic advances.
The Somali foreign ministry characterized the assault as a blatant breach of the recent Ankara Declaration, emphasizing that Somalia would not tolerate any violations of its territorial integrity. This incident highlights the fragile state of relations between the two neighboring countries and underscores the complexities of regional politics in the Horn of Africa.
The conflict between Somalia and Ethiopia has seen several escalations, particularly following Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland, which resulted in heightened tensions regarding territorial sovereignty. Somaliland, a breakaway region in northern Somalia, has sought greater international recognition, leading to disputes with the central government in Mogadishu. The recent diplomatic efforts, notably brokered by Turkey, were intended to stabilize relations between Somalia and Ethiopia but are now threatened by renewed violence and territorial disputes.
The recent clash between Somali and Ethiopian forces illustrates the volatility of geopolitical relations in the Horn of Africa, undermining recent diplomatic agreements. The Somali federal government’s assertion of sovereignty and the response to this violence represent a critical juncture in both national and regional politics. Without continued dialogue and resolution, the potential for further conflict remains high, complicating the already tense relations between these nations.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
