Ethiopian Forces Seize Airports in Somalia

LUUQ, Somalia – In a bold maneuver, Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) have reportedly taken over strategic airports in western Somalia. This aggressive stride may set off a wave of diplomatic discord and even potential warfare in the already volatile Horn of Africa.

The backdrop to this tension lies in an eight-month-long standoff between Ethiopia and Somalia. The discord began when Ethiopia inked a contentious deal with Somaliland—a self-declared independent region of Somalia. This agreement granted Ethiopia access to 20 kilometers of the Red Sea in exchange for acknowledging North Western of Somaliaas a sovereign state.

Somalia has vehemently opposed this arrangement, accusing Ethiopia of trampling on international norms, encroaching on its sovereignty, and undermining its territorial sanctity. Efforts to mediate the spat, led by Turkey, have yet to bear fruit.

On Monday, alarms rang as reports surfaced indicating that Ethiopian forces had commandeered all airports in Somalia’s Gedo region. The Gedo region is principally secured by Ethiopian troops working under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). The occupied airstrips include key sites like Luuq, Doolow, Bardere, and Garbaharey. These airports serve as critical lifelines for diplomats, humanitarian missions, and ordinary travelers who rely on air transport.

This move comes amidst escalating tensions as Egypt gears up to dispatch its troops to the border regions. Somalia turned to Egypt for support, a country already in a bitter feud with Ethiopia over the construction of the Grand Renaissance Dam (GERD).

In a public address over the weekend, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed remarked, “We have no desire for conflict or war.” Despite being a Nobel Peace Prize laureate of 2019, Abiy’s reputation has been questioned due to ongoing internal conflicts within Ethiopia.

Prime Minister Abiy underscored Ethiopia’s peaceful stance towards its neighbors over the past six and a half years, stressing the critical nature of regional stability. He asserted that Ethiopia remains dedicated to peace, prosperity, and the preservation of its sovereignty.

Although reiterating Ethiopia’s commitment to peace, Abiy also stated that the nation stands prepared to defend itself if circumstances demand. Simultaneously, Ethiopia faces internal hurdles, including ethnic and inter-tribal conflicts.

AXADLETM