Ethiopia Asserts Its Sovereignty Amid Regional Tensions

ADDIS ABABA – Facing mounting pressure, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed firmly declares that his nation has never engaged in aggression against another state. He emphasizes that Ethiopia will staunchly defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity should it face any threats.

The situation in the Horn of Africa is becoming increasingly fraught. Somalia claims that Ethiopia is violating its territorial rights, while Egypt alleges that Ethiopia is siphoning water from the Nile River, intensifying regional disputes.

“Any challenge to our sovereignty will be met with fierce resistance,” Abiy stated. He reassured that Ethiopia has triumphed through a myriad of adversities in the past, demonstrating unwavering dedication to maintaining peace and unity among its people.

During Ethiopia’s Sovereignty Day celebration, Abiy asserted, “Ethiopia has a storied history of self-defense and has never invaded another nation. We will not tolerate violations of our sovereignty.” His statements coincided with the arrival of two Egyptian C-130 military aircraft in Mogadishu, sparking alarm in Addis Ababa regarding Egypt’s increasing presence in Somalia.

The friction was exacerbated when Ethiopia entered into an agreement with Somaliland, granting it access to the Red Sea for the establishment of a military base and port. This move made Somalia quite irritable, particularly as Ethiopia seeks to have North Western of Somaliarecognized as a separate sovereign entity.

Attempts to mediate peace talks in Turkey between Ethiopia and Somalia floundered; Somalia is adamant about revoking the contentious agreement. Subsequently, Somalia has solicited assistance from Egypt and Turkey, both of whom have dispatched naval forces to protect the vast 3,333 kilometers of coastline.

Moreover, the animosity between Egypt and Ethiopia is likely to escalate in light of disagreements over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which Egypt contends affects the livelihoods of its people downstream.

Ahmed warned, “Anyone contemplating an invasion into Ethiopia should reconsider. Our history is rich with successful defenses.” He reiterated that Ethiopia has not sought conflicts with neighboring states in recent times.

Every year, Ethiopia commemorates Sovereignty Day on Pagume 13. Somalia has explicitly refused to include Ethiopian troops in the upcoming peacekeeping mission, scheduled to commence early next year following the withdrawal of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). This mission will be supplanted by the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

AXADLETM