Ethiopian Forces Intensify Presence Near Somalia Border Amid Rising Strain
MOGADISHU, Somalia – Recent reports reveal that Ethiopia has shifted additional troops to its frontier with Somalia, a development that many fear could exacerbate the already fragile situation in the Horn of Africa, a region grappling with significant instability and international concern.
For nearly eight months, the Ethiopian and Somali governments have been at an impasse. Somalia accuses Ethiopia of violating its territorial integrity and sovereignty, as Ethiopia aims to secure a stake in access to the Red Sea.
In a controversial agreement with Somaliland, Ethiopia has been granted 20 kilometers of coastline for a military base and port development, in return for recognizing Somaliland’s autonomy. Somalia, however, condemns this arrangement as “illegal and void.”
With no unified understanding, Somalia has sought alliances with both Egypt and Turkey, forging defense agreements seen as strategic maneuvers to counter Ethiopian ambitions. This diplomatic shift has prompted a forceful response from Addis Ababa.
Reports indicate that Ethiopia has mobilized armored units and troops to its border in response to Egypt’s recent arms transfer to Somalia, linked to the defense pact between Egypt and Somalia, intensifying the already simmering tensions surrounding Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland.
Egypt, embroiled in its own dispute with Ethiopia regarding the contentious Grand Renaissance Dam (GERD), has staunchly supported Somalia’s sovereignty. This stance is part of a broader effort to mitigate Ethiopia’s regional influence and control over the Nile River.
Ethiopia plays a crucial security role in Somalia, having sent over 4,000 troops to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), where they actively engage in combating the Al-Shabaab insurgency.
Nonetheless, Somalia contends that Egypt should oversee the upcoming African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), excluding Ethiopian personnel from involvement. Ethiopia counterclaims that decisions concerning this mission rest solely with the United Nations and the African Union.
No official statements from Ethiopian officials have surfaced regarding troop deployments near the Somali border, yet many interpret this move as a response to the evolving military landscape in the Horn of Africa.
Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Fiqi, accused Ethiopia of contributing to the deaths of several individuals within Somalia and expressed that Ethiopian forces are not welcome for the anticipated peace mission. Ethiopian Foreign Affairs spokesperson Nebiyu Tedla argues that Somalia is under the sway of external forces aiming to spark unrest in the region.
The Ethiopian government asserts it will take all necessary actions “within our power to safeguard the nation.” Recent Turkey-led diplomatic efforts between the two countries have foundered, with Somalia insisting on recognition of its territorial sovereignty.
On Thursday, the Somali cabinet called upon its citizens to unify in defense of the nation’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, cautioning against any actions that might incite internal discord. Somalia continues to battle Al-Shabaab militants amidst these challenges.
AXADLETM
