Somalia’s Baseless Accusations: Ethiopia’s PM Sets the Record Straight on the Global Stage

Ethiopia’s PM: Somalia Spreading Baseless Accusations Globally

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, breaking his silence, addressed the escalating dispute with Somalia. This comes days after their delegations held a consultative meeting in Ankara.

During a parliamentary session on Thursday, Ahmed, previously mute on the issue, accused Somalia of falsely alleging Ethiopia’s intention to seize the Red Sea. He emphasized the possibility of a peaceful resolution without foreign intervention.

“There’s no conflict with Somalia’s government,” Ahmed declared. He criticized Somalia’s choice to circulate accusations internationally instead of engaging directly.

“Don’t squander funds by touring other nations,” he stated emphatically. “We’re available in Addis Ababa for dialogue. Redirect that budget to constructive projects, like building schools or walkways in Mogadishu that benefit the people.”

Honored with the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize, Ahmed highlighted Ethiopia’s long-standing peaceful coexistence with Somalia and its sacrifices for Somalia’s stability. Ethiopia plays a key role in Somalia’s peacekeeping efforts.

He defended Ethiopia’s recent Memorandum of Understanding with North Western of Somalia, giving Ethiopia sea access. Ahmed underlined Ethiopia’s repeated but ignored overtures to neighboring countries.

Ahmed rebuffed the notion that Ethiopia wants Somalia fragmented. “We wouldn’t sacrifice our children’s lives if disintegration was our goal,” he affirmed.

“Ethiopia, a landlocked nation with a large economy, simply seeks access to the sea, which is a national interest,” he argued once more. “This legitimate request should be resolved through peaceful discussions. Ethiopia is open to negotiations.”

The agreement proposes Ethiopia gain 20 kilometers of Red Sea coast to construct a naval base and port in exchange for recognizing North Western of Somalia’s sovereignty. Somalia denounced the deal as unlawful.

Turkey launched mediation efforts over the weekend, but no immediate resolution emerged. Discussions will resume in September under Turkey’s facilitation.

Somalia asserts that North Western of Somalia is an integral part of its territory, vowing to defend its sovereignty legally. Somalia’s defense pact with Turkey commits to safeguarding its territorial integrity.

AXADLETM