Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Taye Atske, has labeled Somalia’s allegations about Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland as baseless. He emphasized the agreement’s role in fostering regional economic growth while criticizing Somalia for deflecting from internal issues. Additionally, the recent delivery of military aid from Egypt to Somalia increases the already heightened tensions between the involved parties. Atske called for a focus on combating terrorism and urged external actors to halt provocative actions.
In a statement delivered at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Taye Atske, dismissed Somalia’s allegations directed towards Ethiopia regarding a controversial agreement with Somaliland, characterizing these claims as “unfounded” and firmly based on “misinformation.” Minister Atske clarified that the agreement, which is designed to facilitate regional growth and prosperity, adheres to the existing political dynamics within Somalia and mirrors similar accords undertaken by other nations. Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland proposes to grant Ethiopia a 20-kilometer access route to the Red Sea, ostensibly for constructing a military base and port, in return for recognizing Somaliland as a sovereign entity. This arrangement, however, has been met with considerable objection from the Somali government. The situation is further complicated by Egypt’s recent military aid shipments to Somalia, intended to bolster its defense capabilities in light of a defense pact signed with Somalia in August 2024, which has heightened tensions with Ethiopia and Somaliland. Minister Atske urged Somalia to redirect its focus towards combating terrorism, advocating for collaboration to eradicate terrorist groups that threaten regional stability. His remarks followed those of Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, who articulated concerns regarding Ethiopia’s actions, accusing it of infringing upon Somalia’s territorial integrity. In response to these escalating tensions, Minister Atske appealed to external actors, highlighting the need for them to restrain from provocative actions and noting the possible risks such maneuvers pose to regional peace.
The current tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia stem from an agreement involving Somaliland, a self-declared independent territory seeking international recognition. As Ethiopia looks to establish military and economic footholds in the region, Somalia perceives these actions as encroachments on its sovereignty. The backdrop of Egypt’s military assistance to Somalia adds another layer of complexity to an already strained relationship, as Ethiopia views such external interventions as exacerbating regional instability. Diplomatic dialogues are critical as both nations navigate their historical hostilities alongside contemporary geopolitical realities in the Horn of Africa.
In summary, Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister has categorically refuted Somalia’s allegations regarding territorial incursions related to the Somaliland agreement, asserting that such claims are ill-founded. The agreement aims at fostering regional growth and development while emphasizing Ethiopia’s right to secure access to the Red Sea. However, Somalia remains vigilant in protecting its sovereignty, leading to a backdrop marked by rising tensions, particularly with the intervention of external state actors like Egypt. Moving forward, cooperation in combating terrorism is presented as a constructive way to address the challenges faced in the region.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
