"Somalia to Ethiopia: ‘Bring It On!’ as Strains Rise"
MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somalia has firmly declared it won’t be rattled by Ethiopia’s intimidations concerning its contentious deal with North Western State of Somalia. The pact has stirred unrest, yet Somalia maintains its readiness for any move Addis Ababa might make, especially attempts that compromise its military or civilian tranquility.
Ethiopia has persistently sidestepped apologies for its actions, which have tested Somalia’s sovereignty. The contentious deal with the self-declared independent North Western State of Somalia regarding Red Sea access was inked without Mogadishu’s nod.
Somalia’s Defense Minister, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, voiced defiance, affirming that Ethiopia’s threats will meet fierce retaliation. “We seek neighborly peace, yet if Abiy and Jula’s shaky regime shuns harmony, let the fire-starters be ready for the heat,” Nur asserted.
This came after Field Marshal Berhanu Jula of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) boldly claimed that Somalia, under President Hassan Sheikh, lacks the capability for military conflict with Ethiopia—a taunt that’s fueled Somali anger.
“Hassan Sheikh can’t even control Mogadishu; how does he plan to confront us? He should secure his home turf first,” Jula jibed in a newly surfaced interview.
Somalia replied by hinting at supporting Ethiopian dissidents to unsettle the precarious government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Jula, however, countered by highlighting Ethiopia’s allies within Somalia who would counteract such maneuvers and stand ready to fight Ethiopian insurgents welcomed in Somalia.
“Anyone aiding foreign-backed rebels to disrupt our peace and fuel civil unrest is a traitor. Our friends in Somalia will resist and attack those movements,” declared the Ethiopian army chief.
Ethiopia eyes a 20-kilometer swath for a port and military outpost near the Red Sea, in return for acknowledging North Western State of Somalia’s independence. Somalia deems Ethiopia’s actions outrageous and impermissible.
AXADLETM
