Somalia’s foreign minister has hinted at backing Ethiopian rebels if Ethiopia proceeds with its accord with Somaliland.
Abdi Moalim Fiqi responded on Universal TV on September 12.
“Somalia may consider engaging with armed factions opposing the Ethiopian regime. It’s an open avenue if Ethiopia keeps pushing,” said Fiqi.
He emphasized that nothing drastic has occurred yet.
“We’re not at that stage, but the option is open. If they persist with hostility and that dubious agreement, that’s a path we could take — to support, meet, and ally with the rebels. But there’s hope for a resolution,” he remarked.
Fiqi was queried about potential plans to connect with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, which fought Ethiopia’s federal government for two years, concluding with the Pretoria Peace Treaty in November 2022.
“We’ve discussed it, but destabilizing Ethiopia isn’t beneficial for Somalia or the Horn of Africa. However, if Ethiopia supports groups against Somalia or those secessionist agreements, then it’s on the table,” he stated.
Ethiopia’s deputy permanent representative to the African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa, Nebiyu Tedla, lambasted Fiqi’s remarks.
“Seeing al-Shabab agents masquerading as government officials spouting hollow nationalism is laughable. Such rhetoric jeopardizes years of progress, pulling Somalia down,” Nebiyu shared on X.
The two nations had warmed relations over three decades, with Ethiopia hosting reconciliation talks and dispatching troops to aid Somali administrations. That thaw turned frosty when Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed entered a memorandum with Somaliland’s president on January 1, 2024.
According to North Western of Somaliaofficials, the deal involves Ethiopia recognizing Somaliland’s independence in exchange for leasing 20 kilometers (12 miles) of coastline for a 50-year naval base. Somalia views this as a breach of its sovereignty.
On Friday, U.S. Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa, Mike Hammer, advised both nations to collaborate while speaking in Addis Ababa.
“The United States firmly supports Somalia’s territorial integrity and unity. We’ve made this clear,” Hammer asserted.
“We hope for peaceful and cooperative regional relationships, especially between Ethiopia and Somalia. They need to find ways forward. The focus should be on how the U.S can assist Somalia against al-Shabab, recognizing the sacrifices made by Ethiopia in this fight,” he continued.
Hammer stressed that combating al-Shabab hinges on amicable Somalia-Ethiopia relations.
“There’s no reason these two nations can’t solve their issues through dialogue. Acceptance of the AU charter’s principles on territorial sovereignty is key,” Hammer told reporters at the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa.
Somalia and Ethiopia clashed twice, backing each other’s rebels in the ’70s and ’80s.
In February 1988, Somali President Mohamed Siad Barre and Ethiopian President Mengistu Haile Mariam signed a ceasefire agreement in Djibouti, mediated by then Djibouti President Hassan Guled Aptidon.
This account is courtesy of VOA’s Horn of Africa Service.
