Abiy Ahmed Issues Strong Warning on Ethiopia’s Sovereignty Amid Escalating Regional Tensions

In the midst of rising diplomatic chills, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has cautioned against any infringement on Ethiopia’s territorial autonomy. This tension primarily springs from Ethiopia’s recent pact with Somaliland, a self-proclaimed independent territory within Somalia. The Somali federal government, staunchly opposed to Somaliland’s statehood, has threatened to evict Ethiopian forces unless this agreement is retracted.

To complicate matters further, Somalia has strengthened its military connections with Egypt. This alliance exacerbates the already intricate dynamics of the region. Recently, Ethiopia and Somalia initiated indirect discussions, facilitated by Turkey, yet these encounters ended without any significant breakthroughs.

Adding fuel to the fire, Ethiopia grapples with Egypt’s enduring contention surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Cairo views this colossal project as a threat, fearing it will diminish its allocation of Nile water. In response, Egypt has appealed to the United Nations, requesting immediate intervention to halt the GERD’s progress—something Ethiopia deems vital for its energy aspirations.

In a striking declaration, Ahmed asserted, “Those who contemplate invading Ethiopia ought to mull over their decision multiple times. Our history is rich with tales of self-defense.” He noted that Ethiopia refrained from engaging in conflicts with its neighbors in recent years. Moreover, Ethiopia’s Sovereignty Day, observed every year on Pagume 13, underscores the nation’s pride in its autonomy.